safety practice regulationsii safety practices regulations planned deviations from its rules and...
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Safety Practices Regulations
Copyright © BC Hydro 2017. This book and its
contents are strictly for work done by or for
BC Hydro and all access to its Power System. Any
other use, distribution, modification or copying of
any of this document or its contents is strictly
prohibited without the express written consent of
BC Hydro. BC Hydro does not accept any liability or
responsibility of any kind arising from any other use
of this information.
BCH17-245
Safety Practices Regulations i
Your safety manual
The Safety Practice Regulations (SPR) manual has
been developed out of years of experience
operating electric utilities. The joint labour-
management Safety Practices Committee (SPC) has
reviewed and agreed to all of its contents.
You owe it to yourself, your co-worker, and your
family to become familiar with and to follow the
rules and instructions in this book.
Requirement that all on site workers be in
possession of the SPRs.
Be sure to consult the periodic SPC Bulletins and
FYIs, which describe changes to the regulations and
clarify existing regulations. For an electronic (PDF)
version of the SPR that includes all changes and
additions since this edition was released, refer to
SafeHub.
Safety committees and individual workers are
encouraged to refer any unresolved safety issues or
concerns to the Safety Practices Committee
Secretary by writing to either Management (direct
report to a Vice-President or higher) or an
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW) Business Manager or delegate. Questions
or concerns about Section 700 rules, or any
ii Safety Practices Regulations
planned deviations from its rules and procedures,
should be referred directly to the Work Protection
Practices Committee (WPP).
The rules, practices, and procedures contained in
the Safety Practice Regulations supersede all
previous BC Electric (BCE) Operating Orders, the
IBEW Agreement Safety Appendix dated 1st
August, 1959, BC Power Corporation S154, and all
other related written instructions.
It is my responsibility to understand and follow the
Safety Rules and Regulations specific to my work,
as outlined in this book.
Signature of holder:
Date:
Safety Practices Regulations iii
Stop work authority
○ Each of us is required to comply with
BC Hydro’s safety rules, regulations and/or
procedures, including the Life Saving Rules
○ As an employee or contractor of BC Hydro,
you are responsible and authorized to stop
any work that does not comply with the
above
KEY PRINCIPLES
○ Do it safely or not at all
○ There is always time to do it right
Speak up and call a safety stop
SAFETY STOP
iv Safety Practices Regulations
Corporate Safety PolicySafety is core to everything we do, all the time and at every level
of our organization. It shapes our decision-making, how we think
and talk about our work and how we act each day. For us, even
one injury is unacceptable. All our employees and our contractors
must go home safe every day. Safety at BC Hydro is everyone’s
responsibility.
Our mission reflects our safety value “to safely provide our
customers with reliable, affordable, clean electricity
throughout B.C.”.
Safety starts with leadership. We set clear expectations, taking
the guess work out of how a person’s role and its responsibilities
contribute to safety. We ensure that our plans, designs and how
we resource all our work removes hazards or puts in place
effective barriers and minimizes safety risks.
We provide the necessary rules, procedures, structures, training
and tools to ensure everyone can work safely. We enable and
require our managers, supervisors, employees and contractors to
be accountable for safety. We will comply with all safety rules
and applicable regulations and strive to meet or exceed industry
best practice.
Our employees are involved in work plans and decisions that
impact their safety. Our culture encourages employees to raise
concerns or stop work any time they feel their safety may be at
risk. We measure our safety performance and learn from our
failures and our successes. Learning from our near misses is as
important as learning from our injuries as we believe 100% of all
injuries can be prevented.
Our goal is zero injuries and we challenge every person to achieve
this.
Safety Practices Regulations v
4 Ensure that Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding is applied
5 Protect yourself from falling when working at height
6 Maintain a safe atmosphere in a confined
space and ensure you can be rescued
7 Prevent harmful exposure to known carcinogens, toxins
and bio-hazards
9 Adjust your driving to the weather and
road conditions
8 Don’t work while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs
1 Maintain your Limits of Approach
2 Ensure there is a Safety Protection Guarantee or Lock out in place and check that it is appropriate for your work
3 Test for hazardous energy
GDS12-331-Jan16
Life saving rulesOverarching Value: Have the Courage to Intervene if you see an unsafe act or condition or you observe someone unfit for work.
vi Safety Practices Regulations
Safety Practice Regulations revision record
The following are significant revisions since the
book was last issued and have been highlighted in
grey. This does not include minor non significant
revisions, grammatical or punctuation changes.
i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Requirement for all On
Site workers be in
possession of SPR
i . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Addition of employee
sign-off
iv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Addition of Corporate
Safety Policy
101.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compliance with Safety
Regulations
106.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tailboards
201.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Aid and Assistance
203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rescue Procedures
305.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Climbing Equipment
401 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limits of Approach – General
405.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tree Trimming and Clearing
Safety Practices Regulations vii
407 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Working on Communications
Equipment in Stations
418.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rubber Glove Work
423 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live Line Permit
424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assurance of No Reclose
Permit
504.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equipment to be Treated as
Energized
509.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switching Devices Identified
on the operating One-Line
Diagram
512.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding –
General
602.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Protection Guarantees
603.9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clearance – General
604 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removal of Flowcharts:
Requesting, Issuing and
Receiving a Clearance; Issuing
and Returning a Protection
Extension; Returning a
Clearance
viii Safety Practices Regulations
605.11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Test and Work Permit
- General
606 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removal of flowcharts:
Requesting, Issuing &
Receiving a Test & Work
Permit; Returning a Test &
Work Permit
607.8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Protection – General
608 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removal of flowchart: Issuing,
Tagging and Removal of Self
Protection
611.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grounding/Blocking
Protection Tag – General
614.7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reclose Off Tags
701.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Policy
703.2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Switching Orders
711.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Working on Equipment
Protected Under Personal
Lockout
720 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visitor Access to Equipment
Protected Under Group
Lockout
Safety Practices Regulations ix
801.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One Worker – Work that can
be Performed and Conditions
802.3, 802.4 . . . . . . . . . . . Two Workers – Work that
can be Performed
803.2, 803.4 . . . . . . . . . . . Three Workers – Work that
can be Performed
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . De-energized
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grounded
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . On-Site
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safe Crew Complement
Principle #2 and #3
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work Protection Practices
(WPP)
Safety Practices Regulations xi
Contents
100 General safety rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
200 Incidents and first aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
300 Personal protective equipment and tools. . . . . 21
400 Work near, or on, energized
conductors and equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
500 Isolation, grounding, and blocking. . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
600 Isolation and tag out: PSSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
700 Isolation and lockout: WPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
800 Minimum crew complement, supervision,
and safety watcher requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Appendices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .254
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
100 General Safety Rules 1
100Rule 100
General safety rules
101 Compliance with safety regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
102 Distribution of the Safety Practice
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
103 Revisions to the Safety Practice Regulations . . . 6
104 Responsibility of supervisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
105 Responsibility of workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
106 Conducting Tailboards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
107 Statements by unauthorized workers . . . . . . . . . . 10
108 Entering unattended stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
109 Hazardous areas–identification of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
110 Piping identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
111 Fire prevention–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
112 Housekeeping for elimination of
fire hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
113 Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
114 Fire permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
115 Transportation, storage, handling,
and use of hazardous substances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
116 Explosives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
117 Blasting areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 100
118 Helicopter work–requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
119 Wheel chocks for parked vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
120 Confined space-requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
121 Watercraft-requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
100 General Safety Rules 3
100Rule 101
101 Compliance with safety regulations
1 All workers shall comply with the WorkSafeBC
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
2 The rules and instructions in this book shall
govern all work done by or for BC Hydro and all
access to its Power System. Every worker shall
observe all of the rules that apply to his or her
particular job and worksite.
3 Anyone who works on the Power System shall
comply with the appropriate safety protection
protocol:
○ Section 600 rules of this book specifies
the rules for Tag Out on the Power System
where WPP is not applied. Power System
Safety Protection (PSSP), System Operating
Order 1T-12, specifies requirements for
consistent application of Tag Out rules.
○ All equipment associated with microwave
and radio repeater communication sites that
are not directly associated with a generation
or substation facility is considered to be
Level 5 equipment and may be isolated and
made safe for work using either WPP or
PSSP procedures.
4 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 101
○ Section 700 rules of this book specifies the
rules for Lock Out safety protection (Work
Protection Practices or WPP) in Generating
Stations and Non-Integrated Substations.
○ System Operating Order 1J-18 describes
the interface between WPP and PSSP. The
Boundary between WPP and PSSP in each
generating facility is identified on the facility
operating one-line diagram and defined in a
Joint or Local operating order.
4 Where transmission or distribution lines
interconnect with other (non BC Hydro)
systems, the rules and procedures of the
customer or foreign utility shall prevail with
respect to all equipment outside and beyond the
point of intersection (see rule 603.7, 603.8,
609, and 610).
5 In addition to observing the specific precautions
and instructions included in these Safety
Practice Regulations, all workers are expected to
take intelligent and reasonable care to protect
themselves, other workers, and the public
against any injury that might result from their
work.
100 General Safety Rules 5
100Rule 102
6 If you have any difficulty understanding, or
doubt the meaning of, any of these rules,
consult your manager or their representative for
clarification or explanation.
102 Distribution of the Safety Practice Regulations
1 The Safety Practice Regulations shall be
distributed by the Senior Vice-President, Safety
2 The employer is responsible for issuing a copy
of the Safety Practice Regulations to every
worker who requires them and for reviewing
with the worker those rules that pertain to their
duties, so as to ensure that the worker
understands them before being assigned to the
work.
3 When a worker is transferred to a new location
or new responsibilities, the employer shall
ensure that the worker has his or her own
up-to-date copy of the Safety Practice
Regulations and understands those rules that
apply to their new duties before being assigned
to the work.
4 If a worker loses his or her copy of the Safety
Practice Regulations, it is his or her responsibility
to request a replacement copy without delay.
6 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 103
103 Revisions to the Safety Practice Regulations
1 The Safety Practice Committee shall use
Bulletins and FYIs to notify all holders of the
Safety Practice Regulations of revisions,
amendments, and interpretations of the
regulations.
2 Periodically, revisions and amendments shall be
incorporated into a new edition of the Safety
Practice Regulations. Significant revisions are
identified by shading.
3 When a new edition of the Safety Practice
Regulations is issued by the Senior Vice-
President, Safety, the employer shall distribute a
copy of the revised regulations to every worker
who requires one.
104 Responsibility of supervisors
All supervisors shall be responsible for the safe
execution of all work in their area of responsibility,
including:
○ Assigning qualified and authorized workers
to all jobs.
○ Ensuring the safety of the workers and
contractors under their supervision and the
general public in connection with the work.
100 General Safety Rules 7
100Rule 105
○ Assigning tools and equipment adequate for
the work, supervising the manner in which
they are used, and removing defective tools
and equipment from the workplace.
○ Investigating verbal or written reports of
alleged hazardous conditions and correcting
such conditions.
○ Promptly investigating and reporting all
incidents (refer to Section 200 rules).
○ Enforcing these Safety Practice Regulations.
105 Responsibility of workers
1 A worker shall not carry out or cause to be
carried out any work process, or operate or
cause to be operated any tool, appliance, or
equipment, if that person has reasonable cause
to believe that to do so would create an undue
hazard to the health and safety of any person
(refer to WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation, Part
3.12).
Note: In the event of an unforeseen hazard that
makes it unsafe to continue, the work shall be
stopped and the hazard shall be eliminated or
controlled before work resumes.
8 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 105
2 No worker shall report for work, or be
permitted to work, while they are in any way
unfit to perform their duties in a safe and
efficient manner.
3 Workers shall use appropriate personal
protective equipment and protective devices for
the work they are doing and must care for and
treat these devices and equipment properly.
4 Workers shall report to their supervisor any
situation, practice, or procedure that they
consider hazardous to power system workers or
the public. Where the public is in danger, a
worker shall remain on guard or adopt other
suitable protective measures. The Person in
Charge (PIC), as a key worker, shall be constantly
aware of this responsibility and shall
immediately report hazardous practices or
violations of safety procedures.
5 Workers must not indulge in horseplay or
scuffling while on duty or while off duty on
property or in vehicles owned, rented, or leased
by BC Hydro.
100 General Safety Rules 9
100Rule 106
106 Conducting Tailboards
1 Documented Tailboards must be held for all
high hazard work involving one or more
workers:
○ Every day before work begins; and
○ Whenever there is a significant change in
the work plan.
A documented tailboard is always required for
switching, even if the only work being done is
switching.
For jobs that do not involve any high hazard work,
verbal tailboards can be used.
2 For documented tailboards, workers must list
each hazard that has a potential to cause a
fatality or permanent disability, as well as any
job-specific or site-specific hazards that are of
concern at the time of the job. For each listed
hazard that has the potential to cause a fatality
or permanent disability, workers must record
multiple independent barriers, and include at
least one barrier from the MOST effective
column of the Hazard Barrier Reference sheet
(HBR).
10 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 107
3 For all tailboard discussions (verbal and
documented), supervisors and workers must:
○ Ensure that each worker is aware of all
hazards that have the credible or realistic
potential of causing any level of harm; and
○ Fully agree on safety precautions before
work begins.
4 When multiple crews are working at a worksite,
including those from BC Hydro, contractor(s)
and/or other employer(s), the site representative
of the employer responsible for site safety
coordination must ensure all site safety
coordination requirements, hazards and
precautions are shared and understood by all
crews.
107 Statements by unauthorized workers
Unauthorized workers shall not make statements
that might lead anyone to believe that a conductor
or electrical or mechanical equipment is safe to
work upon or touch.
108 Entering unattended stations
Only authorized workers or those accompanied by
an authorized worker shall enter unattended
100 General Safety Rules 11
100Rule 109
stations, and their time of arrival and departure shall
be recorded in the station log or visitor’s book.
109 Hazardous areas–identification of
Hazardous areas shall be identified by warning
signs, barriers, and/or approved yellow and black
safety rope or tape.
110 Piping identification
Piping containing oil, water, compressed air, or
other controlled products shall be clearly identified,
as required by WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation, Part
5.11.
111 Fire prevention–general
1 All workers shall understand the site fire safety
plan for facilities in which they work.
2 Smoking is permitted only in designated areas.
3 Fire doors shall not be blocked open at any
time.
4 Waste receptacles in non-office areas shall be
equipped with self-closing or flame-tamer lids.
5 Flammable substances shall be dispensed and
stored in conformance with the requirements of
the Material Safety Data Sheet.
12 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 112
6 Hot Work (welding, burning, etc.) shall be
planned to ensure the safety of the facility and
occupants. Appropriate fire protection
equipment shall be provided.
7 Fire hoses and other fire protection equipment
shall be used for emergency purposes only.
8 Discharged or out-of-date fire extinguishers
shall be reported immediately.
9 The person responsible for each facility shall
ensure that life-safety facilities and systems are
maintained to protect facility occupants. This
includes ensuring access to exits and
maintaining fire detection systems, fire
suppression systems, and related equipment in
conformance with National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) Standards and other
applicable standards.
112 Housekeeping for elimination of fire hazards
1 Free access shall be maintained to all fire
extinguishers and associated equipment, fire
escapes, stairways, and passageways.
2 Flammable and combustible waste materials
shall be cleaned up daily and disposed of safely.
100 General Safety Rules 13
100Rule 113
3 Unnecessary flammable and combustible
materials shall not be stored in facilities.
4 Flammable liquids shall be stored in approved
flammable-liquid storage cabinets.
113 Fires
1 Upon discovery of a fire, workers shall
immediately notify other building occupants in
the manner described in the site fire safety plan
and call for fire fighting assistance.
2 If workers are adequately trained and equipped
and it is safe to do so, they may attempt to
extinguish the fire.
3 All fires must be reported to the manager or to
his or her representative promptly to facilitate
investigation.
114 Fire permits
It is the responsibility of the worker in charge to
obtain the necessary fire permits from the
provincial and/or municipal fire authorities (for slash
burning or for propane or oil-fired heating or
cooking installations in trailers or buildings, for
example).
14 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 115
115 Transportation, storage, handling, and use of hazardous substances
1 All hazardous substances–both Hazardous
Wastes and materials controlled by Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System
(WHMIS)–shall be handled, stored, and used in
an approved manner.
2 All containers for hazardous substances shall be
identified, as required by WHMIS, with the
appropriate safety marks, information, and
references to Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) on either BC Hydro’s or the supplier’s
website.
3 Transportation and shipping of dangerous
goods shall comply with the requirements of
OSH Standard 404.
116 Explosives
1 Only workers who fully understand all applicable
municipal, provincial and federal regulations and
are qualified in the use of explosives shall handle
or transport explosives.
2 All handling and transportation of explosives
shall comply with applicable regulations.
100 General Safety Rules 15
100Rule 117
117 Blasting areas
1 Because of the danger of inductive currents
setting off explosives, conductors shall not be
lowered to the ground or remain on the ground
in an area that is loaded for electric blasting.
2 Before workers are permitted to enter an area
that has recently been blasted, the worker in
charge shall obtain assurance from the blaster in
charge that loose material in the area has been
scaled or barred down, and that it is safe to
enter.
118 Helicopter work–requirements
1 Prior to commencing any work involving
helicopters, all workers on the job shall be
adequately trained and familiar with the
WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation and BC Hydro OSH Standard 407.
2 The worker in charge of the crew shall ensure
that approved methods and procedures are
used.
119 Wheel chocks for parked vehicles
When a vehicle equipped with wheel chocks is
parked, the emergency brakes shall be set and
16 100 General Safety Rules
100 Rule 100
wheel chocks shall be placed to eliminate the risk of
the vehicle moving.
120 Confined space-requirements
Prior to commencing any work involving a confined
space, the following shall be completed by a
Qualified Person (Confined Space), as per the
WorkSafeBC Regulations:
○ A written hazard assessment
○ An approved safe work procedure
○ An approved rescue plan that specifies the
roles of personnel assigned to ensure Viable
Rescue and their qualifications
For further details refer to OSH Standard 303.
121 Watercraft-requirements
Prior to commencing any work involving watercraft,
all workers shall meet the requirements of OSH
Standard 408.
200 Incidents and First Aid 17
200
Rule 200
Incidents and first aid
201 First aid and assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
202 Incidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
203 Rescue procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
18 200 Incidents and First Aid
200
Rule 201
201 First aid and assistance
1 Immediate first aid treatment shall be obtained
by workers for each injury, however minor it
may appear.
○ If an employee experiences an electrical
contact, no matter how minor, the employee
is to seek immediate medical attention and
report the incident to their manager.
2 When planning any job, workers shall meet all
requirements for ensuring quick and efficient
first aid treatment and/or Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Response.
3 Every worker shall have access to a written
procedure for requesting assistance in cases of
emergency, for the work being done.
202 Incidents
1 All incidents shall be reported to the supervisor
promptly (no later than the end of the shift).
2 The following types of incidents shall be
reported on the Intranet using the BC Hydro
Incident Management System:
○ Those requiring first aid treatment or
medical attention
200 Incidents and First Aid 19
200
Rule 202
○ Lost time incidents requiring medical
treatment.
○ Those in which there is no treatment but
there is a possibility of future disability.
○ Motor vehicle incidents.
○ “Near-miss” incidents in which there is no
injury, but potential for injury was high and/
or there are lessons that could prevent future
incidents.
3 Motor vehicle incidents must be reported to the
appropriate external authorities, if required by
the Motor Vehicle Act.
4 The workers’ first responsibility is to make the
scene of the incident safe for both workers and
the public.
5 If the scene of an incident is critical to an
investigation, workers shall retain as found the
scene of the incident and any equipment
connected with the incident. If the conditions
surrounding the scene of the incident are likely
to change, photographs should be made
promptly to illustrate the circumstances of the
incident.
20 200 Incidents and First Aid
200
Rule 203
203 Rescue procedures
1 All workers shall have access to, and be
Instructed in, approved rescue procedures for
the type of work in which they are engaged.
2 Workers shall practice applicable rescue
procedures as follows:
○ workers who perform such work on a
regular basis shall practice applicable rescue
procedures a minimum of once per year or
more frequently if specified in an approved
rescue procedure.
○ workers who perform such work
infrequently shall practice rescue procedures
immediately prior to commencing the job.
3 Where appropriate, workers shall contact their
supervisors or the Trades Training Instructor
(TTI) or Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
Specialist for assistance with rescue procedure
training needs.
300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools 21
300
Rule 300
Personal protective equipment and tools
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
302 Clothing and footwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
303 Personal protective equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
304 Tools and equipment–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
305 Climbing equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
306 Life jackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
307 Rigging, jacks, and lifting devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
308 Ladders and scaffolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
309 Machinery guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
22 300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools
300
Rule 301
301 General
All personal protective equipment and tools shall be
inspected before each use.
302 Clothing and footwear
1 All workers shall wear clothing and footwear
that protects them from the hazards associated
with their type of work.
2 Where safety footwear is required, such
footwear shall be CSA approved.
3 Flame-resistant clothing shall be worn when
there is a risk of exposure to high temperature,
open flames, molten metal, sparks, or electrical
arcing.
4 Gloves shall be worn for jobs with a risk of injury
due to abrasion, chemicals, etc.
5 Loose fitting clothing or jewelry shall not be
worn around rotating machinery and tools.
6 Conductive jewellery or adornments shall not be
worn while working in close proximity to the
electrical system.
For further details refer to OSH Standard 601.
300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools 23
300
Rule 303
303 Personal protective equipment
1 Eye protection: Approved safety eye protection
shall be worn in all work areas as per OSH
Standard 601. Additionally, properly fitted
goggles, face shields or other suitable
protection shall be worn as per the work
procedure or associated OSH Standard for the
task.
2 Hard hats: Approved safety head gear shall be
worn in all work areas requiring Personal
Protective Equipment. For further details refer
to OSH Standard 601.
3 Hearing protection: Workers shall wear hearing
protection at all times when noise levels exceed
or may exceed 85 dBA and shall use and
maintain hearing protectors according to
instructions provided. For further details refer to
OSH Standard 309.
4 Respiratory protection: Workers shall be aware
of respiratory hazards and use acceptable
respiratory protection equipment correctly. For
further details refer to OSH Standard 313.
5 High visibility clothing: High Visibility Clothing:
Workers shall wear High Visibility Clothing in
Work Yards and Work Sites or if they are
24 300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools
300
Rule 303
exposed to the hazards of moving vehicles or
equipment in other work areas. For further
details, refer to OSH Standard 601.
PPE shall be worn as per the following table.
6 Fall protection equipment: Appropriate fall
arrest and/or fall restraint equipment shall be
used in accordance with OSH Standard 608.
Workplace PPE AreaPPE to be worn at all times
PPE Required to be readily accessible and worn in the presence of hazards
Work Yards (e.g., district office
yards, MMBU, including
adjacent warehouses and
loading bays)
○ Safety boots
○ Hi Vis attire
○ Hard Hat
○ Eye Protection
○ Hearing Protection
○ Gloves appropriate for
the task
Work Sites
(e.g., OH and UG work,
Stations, Generating
Stations, Microwave
Sites, CUA work, etc.)
○ Safety boots
○ Hardhat *
○ Eye Protection
○ Hi Vis attire
○ FR Clothing
○ Hearing Protection
○ Gloves appropriate for
the task
○ Arc Flash Face Shield
Work Shops and all other areas
(work shop defined as
facilities with large
equipment such as
lathes, drill presses,
pneumatic tools, Fleet
Garages etc.)
○ Safety boots
○ Eye Protection
○ Hearing Protection
○ Gloves appropriate for
the task
○ FR Clothing
○ Hi Vis attire
○ Hard Hat
* Hard hats are not required in Control Rooms.
300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools 25
300
Rule 304
304 Tools and equipment–general
1 Workers shall use only tools and equipment that
are in good condition and only for the purpose
for which they are designed. Dangerously worn
or improvised tools or equipment shall not be
used.
2 Metal rules, metal measuring tapes, or wire-
reinforced fabric tape shall not be used in areas
where electrical energy could make their use
hazardous.
305 Climbing equipment
1 Gaffs on pole climbers shall be not less than 3.2
cm (1 ¼ inches) long, measured on the inside.
For tree climbers, the minimum shall be 6.0 cm
(2 3/8 inches).
2 All rope safety belts shall be of not less than 16
mm (5/8 inch) two-in-one nylon or material of
equivalent strength. Rope safety belts shall be
replaced before signs of aging or fraying of
fibres become evident.
3 Only approved fall restrict devices (pole straps)
shall be used.
26 300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools
300
Rule 306
306 Life jackets
1 When workers are over or adjacent to water
where there is a hazard of drowning, they shall
wear approved buoyancy equipment (life
jackets, vests, etc.).
2 Workers shall select buoyancy equipment that is
rated for the extra weight of any attached tools
and equipment.
307 Rigging, jacks, and lifting devices
1 All workers who are required to use rigging and
lifting devices shall use proper work methods
and shall not exceed the rated working load limit
(WLL) for the equipment (refer to Appendix A).
2 An approved inspection program shall be
carried out on rigging and lifting devices, to
ensure that such equipment is maintained in a
safe condition.
3 When using jacks for lifting machinery or
mobile equipment, workers shall obtain firm and
secure footings for the jacks and shall apply
safety blocking (chocks) to the wheels.
For further details, refer to OSH Standard 210.
300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools 27
300
Rule 308
308 Ladders and scaffolding
1 Only approved ladders, which conform to the
requirements of WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation,
Part 13, and OSH Standard 609, shall be used.
2 All straight and extension ladders except those
used for tower work shall be equipped with
non-slip feet.
3 Where a ladder is used against a pole, it shall be
equipped at the top with a proper fitting that
conforms to the shape of the pole.
4 Metal ladders or ladders containing wire
reinforcing in the side rails shall not be used
near energized conductors or equipment except
as follows:
a Use of metal ladders in Extra High Voltage
(EHV) Areas must conform to the
requirements of rule 516.3.
b Tower ladders may be used for work on
metal transmission and station structures
only by, or under the direct supervision of,
an electrical journeyperson.
5 Metal scaffolding may be used in a station near
energized conductors or electrical equipment
under the following conditions:
28 300 Personal Protective Equipment and Tools
300
Rule 300
a Limits of Approach shall be observed at all
times.
b The scaffold shall be erected or dismantled
only by or under the direct supervision of a
qualified electrical journey person.
c A safety watcher shall be appointed
whenever the scaffold is moved.
d The scaffold shall be securely immobilized
when in the working position.
e The scaffold shall be connected to a point of
Worker Protection Grounding with approved
flexible copper grounds (refer to OSH
Standard 206).
309 Machinery guards
The moving parts of machinery shall be
safeguarded as required by WorkSafeBC OHS
Regulation, Part 12, and such safeguards shall be
kept in place at all times when the equipment is
operating.
400 Work on Energized Equipment 29
40
0
Rule 400
Work near, or on, energized conductors and equipment
401 Limits of approach to exposed
energized conductors and equipment . . . . . . . . . 31
Table 401: Limits of approach to exposed
energized electrical conductors
and equipment by voltage level . . 36
402 Working on poles or structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
403 Climbing suspension insulators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
404 Stringing conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
405 Tree trimming and clearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
406 Work near the station perimeter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
407 Working on communications
equipment in stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
408 Batteries and battery rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
409 Working with cranes, excavators,
and booms–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
410 Using hand signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
411 Aerial lift equipment–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
412 Aerial lift equipment–live line work . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
413 Equipment for work on energized
conductors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
30 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 400
414 Crew complement for work on
energized conductors or equipment
(Refer to Section 800 rules) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
415 Conditions for work on
energized conductors or equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 50
416 Work on energized conductors
and equipment–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
417 Live line tool work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
418 Rubber glove work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
419 Barehand work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
420 Work involving open neutral conductors . . . . . 57
421 Phasing tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
422 Paralleling distribution transformers . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
423 Live line permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
424 Assurance of no reclose permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
400 Work on Energized Equipment 31
40
0
Rule 401
401 Limits of approach to exposed energized conductors and equipment
General: Limits of Approach Table 401 lists the
distances that shall be maintained between workers
(including their extension of reach caused by
conductive tools, materials, equipment or
unplanned movements) and exposed energized
electrical conductors or equipment. Each worker
intending to perform work on, or in proximity to,
exposed energized conductors and/or equipment
on the power system shall be authorized to a
specific Column in the Limits of Approach Table
and this authorization level shall be recorded in
PSSP/WPP Manager per OSH Standard 201. The
barrier requirements for any specific job must meet
the requirements of SPR Rule 401 and any
applicable safe work procedures. The job plan must
implement multiple barriers in order of
effectiveness for each individual electrical hazard
per OSH Standard 122.
Note: The distances specified in Columns 3 and 4
shall apply to all parts of uninsulated boom type
equipment, including booms, hoisting cables, and
any part of the load being raised.
32 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 401
1 Column 1 (Absolute Limits of Approach):
Work up to Column 1 Limit (closer than the Column
2 Limit, but no closer than Column 1 Limit) must
meet the following requirements:
For 4 kV to 60 kV:
○ Two or more qualified electrical workers
and the application of approved cover-up or
barriers.
○ When approved cover-up or barriers are
in place, qualified electrical workers can
work up to but are to avoid contact with the
cover-up.
○ If cover-up or barriers cannot be applied an
approved work procedure must be used.
BC Hydro procedures for this purpose must
be signed off by the Senior Vice-President,
Safety.
For 138 kV to 500 kV:
○ Three or more qualified electrical workers
must be present, one of which must act as a
dedicated Safety Watcher.
○ Work up to the Column 1 Limit is permitted
only for planned short duration tasks.
400 Work on Energized Equipment 33
40
0
Rule 401
2 Column 2 (Normal Limits of Approach)–4 kV to 500 kV):
Work up to the Column 2 Limit (closer than the
Column 3 Limit, but no closer than Column 2 limit)
requires:
○ qualified electrical workers
○ or workers that are designated through
approved training as Qualified Specially
Column 1 critical note:
The Absolute Limits of Approach are based on
engineering calculations to address the risk of
electrical flashover, which is affected by
switching surges, altitude, humidity, and line
configuration. These distances include no
allowances for any unplanned or accidental
movement by workers, their uninsulated tools,
or materials.
○ Work involving fewer than three qualified
workers is permitted only when an approved
work procedure is being used. BC Hydro
procedures for this purpose must be signed
off by the Senior Vice-President, Safety.
34 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 401
Trained and who meet the specific
applicable requirements set out in OSH
Standard 201.
Vehicles and Equipment
Under the direct and continuous supervision of a
qualified electrical worker, vehicles or equipment
are permitted to drive underneath exposed
energized electrical conductors or overhead
equipment up to Column 2 Limit. In this
circumstance boom equipped vehicles must have
their booms in a stowed and secured position.
3 Column 3 Limits of Approach–4 kV to 500 kV
Work up to the Column 3 Limit (closer than the
Column 4 Limit, but no closer than the Column 3
Limit) applies to:
○ uninsulated equipment operated by a
Qualified Electrical Worker.
○ unqualified workers and their equipment
when continuously directed by a Qualified
Electrical Worker(s).
○ to operate uninsulated equipment closer
than Column 3 Limit, when approved
cover-up or barriers cannot be applied, an
400 Work on Energized Equipment 35
40
0
Rule 401
approved work procedure must be used.
BC Hydro procedures for this purpose must
be signed off by the Senior Vice-President,
Safety.
○ workers that are designated through
approved training as Qualified Specially
Trained and authorized to Column 3 Limit as
per OSH Standard 201.
4 Column 4 (Limits of Approach for Unqualified Workers and their Equipment)–4 kV to 500 kV
Work up to the Column 4 Limit applies to:
○ unqualified workers and their equipment.
Tab
le 4
01:
Lim
its
of
Ap
pro
ach
to E
xpos
ed
Ener
giz
ed E
lect
rica
l C
ond
ucto
rs a
nd E
qui
pm
ent
by V
olta
ge
Leve
l
CO
LUM
N 1
Ab
solu
te L
imit
fo
r Q
ualif
ied
El
ectr
ical
Wor
kers
CO
LUM
N 2
Nor
mal
Lim
it
for
Qua
lifie
d
Elec
tric
al W
orke
rs
CO
LUM
N 3
Lim
it of
App
roac
h fo
r:•
Uni
nsul
ated
eq
uip
men
t op
erat
ed b
y Q
ualif
ied
Ele
ctric
al
Wor
kers
• U
nqua
lifie
d
Wor
kers
and
th
eir
equi
pm
ent
whe
n co
ntin
uous
ly
dire
cted
by
Qua
lifie
d E
lect
rica
l W
orke
rs.
• W
orke
rs Q
ualif
ied
Sp
ecia
lly T
rain
ed
and
aut
hori
zed
to
Col
umn
3 Li
mit
s.
CO
LUM
N 4
Lim
it o
f A
pp
roac
h fo
r U
nqua
lifie
d
Wor
kers
and
the
ir
equi
pm
ent
Nom
inal
V
olta
ge
Leve
l kV
Act
ual V
olta
ge
Ran
ge
Pha
se t
o P
hase
m(f
t)m
(ft)
m(f
t)m
(ft)
475
1 V
to
5 kV
0.3
01
0.6
02
0.9
03
3.0
010
12 &
25
5 kV
to
30 k
V0
.45
1.5
0.7
52.
51.
204
3.0
010
35 &
60
30 k
V t
o 75
kV
0.6
02
0.9
03
1.50
53.
00
1013
875
kV
to
150
kV
0.9
03
1.50
52.
40
84
.50
1523
015
0 k
V t
o 25
0 k
V1.
40
4.5
2.10
73.
00
104
.50
1528
725
0 k
V t
o 32
5 kV
1.70
5.5
2.60
8.5
3.70
126.
00
2034
532
5 kV
to
425
kV
2.10
73.
00
104
.30
146.
00
2050
04
25 k
V t
o 55
0 k
V2.
709
3.70
124
.90
166.
00
20
400 Work on Energized Equipment 37
40
0
Rule 402
402 Working on poles or structures
1 Before beginning work on any pole or structure,
such pole or structure shall be tested for
soundness. When any doubt as to such
soundness exists, the work method shall not
rely on the structural strength or stability of the
pole. Pike poles or props alone shall not
constitute sufficient support. Refer to work
procedures in Work on Poles Manual.
2 Workers shall be permitted to remove signs and
other obstructions from poles or structures on
which they are required to work. Approved
signs shall be re-installed.
3 Workers shall not climb poles unless the pole
includes a butt gain and is appropriately set, or
is secured as specified in the work procedures in
the Work on Poles Manual.
4 A tool bag or hand line shall be used for raising
or lowering tools or materials to workers on
poles, trees, or structures. Articles shall not be
thrown to workers. It is permissible to drop
items of scrap material if special care is
exercised to make sure the area below is clear.
5 Pole straps/rope belts shall be connected to
both “D” rings on the work positioning belt.
38 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 403
6 When a worker is supported by a pole strap or
rope belt while operating a power saw, a second
pole strap or rope belt shall be used for backup.
403 Climbing suspension insulators
Workers shall be permitted to climb suspension
insulators provided that the suspension insulator
string is loaded by the conductors.
404 Stringing conductors
When stringing, sagging, removing, or replacing
conductors directly above or below, or within 1.8
metres (6 feet) horizontally of, energized high-
voltage conductors, workers shall use approved
tension-stringing methods, as described in the Live
Line Procedures Manual.
405 Tree trimming and clearing
1 Only qualified electrical workers or Certified
Utility Arborists (CUAs) shall perform tree
trimming and clearing that may come closer to
high-voltage lines or equipment than the
distances specified in column 4 Limits of
Approach (table 401).
2 Only qualified electrical workers shall trim or
clear vegetation where there is contact, or the
possibility of contact, between such vegetation
400 Work on Energized Equipment 39
40
0
Rule 405
and an energized high-voltage line. The
following rules shall apply:
a A Live Line Permit shall be in effect for the
duration of the work.
b Step and touch potential shall be taken into
consideration.
c Approved live line tools and equipment shall
be used to remove any trees or portions
thereof that are closer to energized high-
voltage lines than the distances specified in
the Normal Limits of Approach (table 401,
column 2).
d In proximity to energized lines 60 kV and
above, workers shall remove trees or
portions of trees that are within the Absolute
Limits of Approach (table 401, column 1) in
one of the following ways:
○ From an approved aerial lift using
approved live line tools and procedures.
○ With a Safety Protection Guarantee in
place and Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding applied.
40 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 406
3 Certified Utility Arborists may engage in tree
trimming and clearing near energized
conductors under the following conditions:
a Work shall be governed by the WorkSafeBC
OHS Regulation and BC Hydro
supplementary instructions.
b Workers shall be authorized and shall obtain
an Assurance of No Reclose Permit from the
PIC before commencing work (refer to rule
424).
c The PIC shall establish any required
operating conditions before the work
proceeds.
4 To remove trees or portions of trees that are in
contact with energized primary conductor,
Certified Utility Arborists shall work under an
existing Self Protection or Clearance or a
Protection Extension. Refer to Section 600 rules
for details.
406 Work near the station perimeter
When working close to a station perimeter (either
inside or outside), workers shall use approved
methods, as defined in the Work Adjacent to
Stations work procedure to avoid the hazard posed
400 Work on Energized Equipment 41
40
0
Rule 407
by a difference in potential between the station
ground grid and the surrounding area.
407 Working on communications equipment in stations
1 When work on communications equipment is
high risk or is being performed in a hazardous
location, no fewer than two workers shall be
assigned to the job.
2 Fault conditions could occur due to equipment
failure, lightning or during high voltage electrical
switching, causing a dangerous potential
between station and remote ground
connections. Workers must avoid coming into
contact with the station and remote ground
connections at the same time. Precautions shall
be taken to control the hazard, including:
○ Using a 20kV rated isolation mat when
working on communications equipment, and
○ Attaching a sign to the outside of the
equipment that reads “Caution–Keep Clear
of Station Ground When Working in This
Cabinet.”
3 During fault conditions (ie: equipment failure,
lightning, or electrical switching) hazardous
42 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 408
voltages or transient energy may exist in the
Interconnect and Coupling equipment
associated with Powerline Carrier installations.
This includes the coax cable and the Line
Matching Unit. Workers will ensure proper
grounding and surge suppression is in place
before working with Interconnect or Coupling
equipment.
408 Batteries and battery rooms
1 Open flames shall not be permitted in battery
rooms.
2 Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment shall
be worn when working on batteries (refer to
OSH Standard 317).
3 If any work is to be performed on or near
battery cell covers, the worker shall first touch a
grounded metallic object in order to release any
static potential.
4 The charger and electric load shall be
disconnected before disconnecting any cell of a
storage battery.
400 Work on Energized Equipment 43
40
0
Rule 409
409 Working with cranes, excavators, and booms–general
1 When a crane or hoist is in use, all workers
exposed to the hazards shall wear high-visibility
clothing and stand well clear of the hazardous
area. Approved hand signals shall be used to
direct the equipment operator, and such signals
shall be given by one worker only, as required
by WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation (refer to
Appendix B).
2 Inside stations: When working near energized
electrical conductors or equipment in stations,
boom-equipped vehicles shall be grounded
with an approved grounding conductor (see
OSH Standard 206) that is connected from the
station ground grid to the equipment frame.
3 Outside stations:
a When working near energized electrical
conductors or equipment outside stations ,
boom-equipped vehicles shall not normally
be grounded.
b Where such ungrounded equipment or the
materials being handled (such as poles being
set) could make accidental contact with
energized high-voltage conductors or
44 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 410
equipment, the worker in charge shall warn
all workers to stay clear of the equipment.
c Equipment such as cranes, excavators, and
trucks with booms that is working near
energized electrical conductors or equipment
shall not be controlled by a worker standing
on the ground. If the operator stands beside
the equipment, he or she shall stand on an
approved groundmat that is bonded to the
equipment.
410 Using hand signals
1 Where the nature of the work requires the use
of signals, such signals shall be given only by
one worker at any one time. All workers shall
thoroughly understand the signals before
starting work.
2 Where practicable, hand signals shall be used in
preference to oral signals (refer to WorkSafeBC
OHS Regulation and Appendix B).
411 Aerial lift equipment–general
1 The worker in charge shall ensure that the crew
inspects and functionally tests aerial lift devices
(refer to OSH Standard 405).
400 Work on Energized Equipment 45
40
0
Rule 411
2 All work from aerial lift equipment shall be
performed by workers who are qualified to do
the work, have been trained, and are familiar
with the operation of the equipment, the
controls, and the electrical and load-carrying
capabilities of the equipment being used.
3 Aerial lift load limits specified by the
manufacturer shall not be exceeded. Workers
shall follow the instructions and proper
sequences prescribed by the manufacturer for
operating the equipment. Capacity charts shall
be installed in places conspicuous to the
operator and shall be kept in legible condition.
4 When parked in a position for work, the vehicle
shall be secured against motion or upset.
Where applicable, spring lock-outs shall be set
and outriggers shall be fully extended and
implanted on firm ground or pads to maintain as
near a level position as possible.
5 For aerial lifts with articulated booms that are
exposed to traffic:
a Except on equipment that is limited to
vegetation work, the boom knuckle shall be
equipped with a flashing or rotating amber
light. On equipment that is limited to
46 400 Work on Energized Equipment
40
0
Rule 411
vegetation work, reflective tape may be
installed at the knuckle as an alternative to
the knuckle light.
b Whenever the boom is in the working
position, the rotating amber cab light, the
knuckle light (if so equipped), and the
four-way vehicle flashers shall be operated.
c The knuckles of articulated booms shall not
extend outside the guarded work area.
6 Aerial lift equipment that is specifically designed
and approved for the purpose may be moved
short distances under the continuous direction
of a worker in the bucket.
7 Any worker in the aerial lift shall use an
approved fall arrest system.
8 When workers are aloft, the aerial lift shall not
be operated from lower controls without the
permission of the workers aloft except in an
emergency, or in training for an emergency.
9 Work shall be done from inside the bucket. No
one shall sit or stand on the bucket’s edge,
stand on a plank placed across the bucket, or
work from a ladder set inside the bucket.
400 Work on Energized Equipment 47
40
0
Rule 412
10 During work, the bucket shall not be rested on a
fixed object in such a manner that the weight of
the boom is supported by the bucket.
11 When positioning buckets near energized
high-voltage conductors, the Limits of
Approach to energized conductors shall apply
(refer to Limits of Approach table 401). Buckets
shall not be considered as approved insulating
devices.
412 Aerial lift equipment–live line work
1 Only approved, insulated aerial lift equipment
shall be used for live line work, including
barehand or rubber glove work. Such equipment
shall have a non-destructive test and be tested
dielectrically every year. Refer to OSH Standard
405.
2 Immediately prior to using approved aerial lifts
for barehand or high-voltage rubber glove work
(4 kV and above), such aerial lifts shall:
a have all insulated portions wiped clean and
anything that may adversely affect the
insulation of the aerial lift removed
b be tested using approved methods, as
described in the relevant Work Procedures.
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3 Power cords shall not be permitted in a bucket
while workers are doing barehand work or
rubber glove work on energized conductors or
equipment. For all other work, power tools and
their cords shall be protected against contact
with energized conductors or equipment and
shall be disconnected from the source of power
and removed from the bucket when not in use.
4 Aerial lift equipment that is certified for
barehand work shall have bucket and boom
covers installed whenever the aerial lift is not in
use. Covers are optional for equipment used
only for high-voltage rubber glove work.
5 Insulated aerial lift vehicles that are bonded to
energized electrical lines or equipment for
barehand work shall be protected with
appropriate barriers and/or markers, and all
workers except those necessary to perform the
work or operate the equipment shall stay clear
of such vehicles.
413 Equipment for work on energized conductors
1 Use only approved live line equipment and
protective equipment (rubber blankets, hose,
hoods, gloves, etc.) and have all such equipment
400 Work on Energized Equipment 49
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inspected and tested, as required by OSH
Standard 602.
2 Live line tools and rubber protective equipment
shall be kept free from dirt and moisture and
shall not be laid directly on the ground.
3 Blocks, ropes, slings and other tackle provided
for live line work shall not be used for any other
purpose and shall be kept clean, dry, and free
from foreign substances.
4 Workers shall thoroughly inspect live line tools
and rubber protective equipment prior to use
and when damage is suspected.
5 Tools or equipment that are damaged or show
any signs of leakage shall be withdrawn from
service immediately and forwarded with an
explanatory report to an approved safety service
shop.
6 Only an approved safety service shop shall be
permitted to repair or alter live line tools or
equipment.
7 Live line tools and rubber protective equipment
shall be transported and stored in a manner that
prevents damage and provides protection.
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Rule 414
8 Workers shall not depend for protection upon
high-voltage rubber equipment that has been
left in service overnight. Such equipment shall
be removed, cleaned, and visually inspected
before re-use and, if suspect, submitted to an
electrical test.
414 Crew complement for work on energized conductors or equipment (Refer to Section 800 rules)
415 Conditions for work on energized conductors or equipment
1 Before any work is carried out on energized
conductors or equipment, arrangements shall
be made to obtain a Live Line Permit (refer to
rule 423). Live Line Permits are not mandatory
for:
a Application or removal of hot taps.
b Installation or removal of approved bolt-on
stirrups to conductors #2 or larger, provided
rule 803 is followed.
c Application or removal of stick mounted
ammeters.
2 Work on energized conductors shall be done
only under the following conditions:
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a With approved tools and equipment
(including aerial lift devices, live line rope,
and shielding suits) that have been
specifically designed, constructed, and
tested for the purpose.
b During favourable weather conditions and
visibility. Work on energized conductors
shall not be done during fog, rain or lightning
(and for fifteen minutes after the last
lightning is seen or thunder is heard).
High-voltage rubber glove work shall not
proceed when moisture is visible on cover-
up, conductors, or structures.
c By qualified workers familiar with or trained
in the type of live line work that is to be
performed or, if this is not possible, under
the direct supervision of a qualified Trades
Training Instructor using approved
procedures.
d In the case of the barehand method, by
qualified electrical journeypersons who have
been trained by a qualified Trades Training
Instructor. An electrical journeyperson who
has been qualified in the barehand method
shall act as a safety watcher while barehand
work is in progress.
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Rule 416
3 No work shall be done on Number 6 high
voltage copper conductor unless it is de-
energized and grounded.
416 Work on energized conductors and equipment–general
1 Where work is to be performed on energized
high-voltage conductors or equipment, the
following rules apply:
a All assigned qualified electrical
journeypersons shall work on the same
phase conductor or the same task at the
same time.
b For the removal or installation of hot tap
risers, two qualified electrical journeypersons
may work from different aerial lifts.
c In every other case, when qualified electrical
journeypersons are needed to perform the
job, they shall both work from the same
pole, room, structure, or aerial lift.
2 No other work shall be carried out in the
immediate area or on the pole or structure upon
which live line work is to be done.
3 When performing live line work, workers shall
take care not to bring energized metal parts of
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live line tools or energized conductors into
contact with crossarms, poles, hardware, or
equipment. Workers shall install adequate
protective equipment (such as pole guards, line
guards, insulator guards, and/or crossarm
guards).
4 Before climbing through, or working in, a
hazardous position, workers shall protect their
climbing space and working position. This shall
be done by placing line guards, insulator hoods,
shields of the correct voltage rating, etc., on all
conductors and equipment with which it is
possible for them to come in contact.
5 Hold-out ropes or live line tools being used to
spread or raise energized conductors shall be
secured and shall not be held by workers except
as necessary to secure or release them. Two
workers shall be used to move hold-out ropes
wherever there is a hazard to workers on the
pole should the ropes get out of control.
6 When there is less than 1.8 metres (six feet)
separation between two circuits that are both
operated at 12 kV or higher, workers shall not
work on one circuit while the other is energized
unless the work can be done safely by live line
tools or other approved methods.
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Rule 417
7 Live line insulator cleaning shall be carried out
only in accordance with approved methods.
417 Live line tool work
1 Approved live line procedures, tools, and
equipment specifically designed, constructed,
and tested for the purpose shall be used for
work on conductors or equipment energized at
750V or above.
2 While working with live line tools, workers shall
not use rubber gloves except when working in
compliance with approved high-voltage rubber
glove work procedures.
418 Rubber glove work
1 Class 0 rubber gloves must be worn when:
○ Working on exposed energized low voltage
(31VAC–750VAC or 150VDC–750VDC)
conductors/terminals.
○ Working on insulated energized low
voltage distribution overhead/underground
conductors or equipment.
○ Performing tasks other than the above when
required by specific work procedures.
Exceptions:
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Rule 418
Class 0 rubber gloves are not required when:
○ Contacting voltage rated, insulated,
energized conductors in buildings/cabinets.
○ Approved barriers have been installed.
○ Using insulated and voltage rated tools or
test equipment in good condition.
○ Approved written work procedures are
being followed for a specific task, which do
not require gloves.
For additional requirements refer to OSH Standard
602.
2 Work on conductors and equipment energized
from 751V to 25 kV shall be done using
approved rubber gloves and cover up
equipment specifically designed, constructed,
and tested for the purpose, unless live line tools
are used.
3 Each worker shall use only the class of high
voltage rubber gloves for which they are trained
and qualified.
4 Rubber gloves shall not be worn inside-out or
without approved covers, and such covers shall
not be used for any other purpose under any
circumstances.
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Rule 419
5 Workers shall work in compliance with
approved rubber glove work procedures.
6 When performing high-voltage rubber glove
work, rubber gloves shall be worn continuously
when within 3 metres (10 feet) of the energized
area.
7 For crew complement refer to rule 803.3 b.
419 Barehand work
1 Barehand work on energized conductors or
equipment shall be permitted only at voltages of
60 kV or higher. Such work shall be logged by
the PIC of the conductors or equipment.
2 Barehand work shall not be permitted from a
live line platform (board) whether or not such
platform has been treated with insulating
material.
3 During barehand work, the Working Clearances
to workers, tools, equipment and material they
may be handling with respect to objects at
ground potential (including poles, towers and
crossarms) and to conductors other than the
one on which they are working shall be as
specified in the BC Hydro Barehand Manual.
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Rule 420
4 Barehand work shall not be permitted within
2.4 metres (8 feet) of a worker at ground
potential. For work on 287 kV and above, use
the Normal Limits of Approach (table 401,
column 2).
5 During barehand work, one worker on each job
shall be designated to be first on and last off
with a wanding device.
6 Workers in barehand contact with energized
conductors or equipment shall not pass tools,
materials, or equipment to or from workers at
ground potential (on poles, structures, etc.)
without the aid of live line tools adequate for the
voltage.
420 Work involving open neutral conductors
1 When connecting or disconnecting neutrals,
ground wires, static wires, counterpoise, etc.,
extreme caution shall be used to avoid placing
oneself in the open circuit between two sections
of the neutral, as hazardous differences in
potential may exist.
2 A bond shall be installed prior to making hand
contact to open or close a neutral conductor, a
multi-grounded neutral, or the static wire or
counterpoise on a high-voltage circuit (except
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the neutral of a service drop). Failing this, a
Worker Protection Ground lead shall be
installed on either side of the opening at the
work site and connected to a single point of
Worker Protection Grounding (refer to rule 513).
3 When bonding is not practicable, approved and
tested Class 1 or above rubber gloves or
approved live line tools shall be used for
handling neutral conductors that are lying on the
ground.
421 Phasing tests
When conductors or equipment are being
connected where incorrect phasing could occur
(such as when replacing pothead jumpers or risers
or UD switching), “phasing” tests shall be used.
422 Paralleling distribution transformers
1 Making and breaking of parallel connections on
distribution transformers requires special
attention be given to voltage backfeed hazards .
Matching transformer ratings, checking for
correct phasing, voltages and loadings shall also
be considered.
2 The worker in charge of the job shall ensure that
the hazard of voltage backfeed and the
procedures for paralleling distribution
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Rule 422
transformers are reviewed at the tailboard
discussion.
3 The making and breaking of a parallel between
distribution transformers shall always be done
on the secondary of the transformer.
4 Single-Phase Distribution Transformers– Making Parallel:
a Complete all ground and neutral connections
of the new installation.
b Prepare transformer secondary drop leads
and ensure that they are in the clear of all
other conductors (taping is advised).
c Connect the primary riser of the transformer
disconnect to the same primary phase as the
transformer to be paralleled and energize
the newly installed transformer.
d Check the secondary voltages of the newly
installed transformer and ensure that they
are normal.
e Check the existing secondary voltages and
ensure that they are normal.
f Check the secondary voltages across each
set of conductors to be paralleled. The
voltage readings shall be zero or near zero
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(+/- 10%) before parallel connections are
made.
g Connect secondary drop leads to
corresponding phases as identified in rule
422.4f.
5 Single-Phase Distribution Transformers– Breaking Parallel:
a Disconnect the energized transformer
secondary drop leads from the secondary
run and position them in the clear (taping is
advised).
Caution: Secondary drop leads are still
energized.
b Open the transformer disconnect.
c Disconnect the primary riser from the line
and position it in the clear.
d Remove the neutral and ground connections
to completely isolate the transformer.
6 Three Phase Distribution Transformers:
For procedures for making and breaking a
temporary parallel between three-phase
transformers, refer to the PLT Training Program
Transformation manual, section CS-13B-07.
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423 Live line permit
A Live Line Permit is issued by the PIC to qualified
electrical or nonelectrical workers for live line work
or hazardous tree trimming near energized lines
when it is required that reclosing not occur if
automatic tripping takes place. A Live Line Permit
provides no personal protection in case of direct
contact with an energized conductor or equipment
by a worker. The worker’s protection depends on
proper work practices and approved, tested, and
well maintained live line tools.
1 Before issuing a Live Line Permit, the PIC shall
make arrangements to prevent immediate
re-energizing of the circuit or equipment and
enable any Hot Line Tag functionality.
Note: HLT enable is not required to issue a Live
Line Permit for the purpose of underground
cable fault testing.
2 The PIC shall have a means of direct
communications with the permit holder.
3 In case of de-energization, the PIC shall contact
the permit holder before the circuit or
equipment is re-energized, unless the circuit or
equipment has been de-energized by other
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than its own protection or the cause is verified
by a qualified person.
4 When a Live Line Permit is in effect, the circuit
involved shall not be paralleled without notifying
the permit holder.
424 Assurance of no reclose permit
An Assurance of No Reclose Permit is issued by the
PIC to qualified electrical or nonelectrical workers
work near energized conductors or equipment
when it is required that reclosing not occur if
automatic tripping takes place. An Assurance of No
Reclose Permit provides no personal protection in
case of direct contact with an energized conductor
or equipment by a worker. The worker’s protection
depends on proper work practices and use of
approved, tested, and well maintained tools.
1. Before issuing an Assurance of No Reclose
Permit, the PIC shall make arrangements to
prevent immediate re-energizing of the circuit
or equipment
Note: HLT enable is not required to issue an
Assurance of No Reclose Permit
2 The PIC shall have a means of direct
communications with the permit holder.
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3 In case of de-energization, the PIC shall contact
the permit holder before the circuit or
equipment is re-energized, unless the circuit or
equipment has been de-energized by other
than its own protection or the cause is verified
by a qualified person.
500 Isolation, Grounding, Blocking 65
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Rule 500
Isolation, grounding, and blocking
501 Operating authority and responsibility . . . . . . . . .67
502 Duties of person in charge (PIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
503 Project controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
504 Equipment to be treated as energized . . . . . . . . . 72
505 Identification–power system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
506 Guarantee of isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
507 Station log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
508 Operating communications protocol . . . . . . . . . . . 75
509 Switching devices identified on the
operating one-line diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
510 Voltage regulator bypass disconnects . . . . . . . . . 80
511 Verifying isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
512 Worker protection grounding/
bonding–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
513 Point of worker protection grounding . . . . . . . . . . 84
514 Applying or removing worker
protection grounding and bonding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
515 High-voltage capacitors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
516 Work in extra high voltage (EHV)
station areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
66 500 Isolation, Grounding, Blocking
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Rule 500
517 Power cables and duct banks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
518 Blocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
519 Work on a device being
used as an isolation point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
520 Civil infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
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Rule 501
501 Operating authority and responsibility
1 The Integrated power system is controlled
through the delegation of Operating Authority
and Responsibility in a hierarchical arrange ment
that includes the Control Centres (FVO/SIO) and
generating stations. The FVO/SIO has ultimate
responsibility for monitoring, controlling, and
operating the system as defined in SOO 1J11
and 1T-11A.
2 The Non-Integrated area power system is
controlled through the delegation of Operating
Authority and Responsibility in a hierarchical
arrangement that includes the District Central
Control Facilities (DCCF) (Masset (MAS),
Sandspit (SPT), Ah-Sin-Heek (ASK) and
unattended Diesel Generating Stations. The
DCCF has ultimate responsibility for monitoring,
controlling and operating the non-integrated
area, and may delegate responsibility to an
authorized on-site worker for a portion of the
non-integrated system within their areas. Refer
to 3D-NIA-08.
3 The exact location of boundaries between areas
of different Operating Authority (such as
structure numbers, conductor disconnect
68 500 Isolation, Grounding, Blocking
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Rule 501
switches, circuit breaker disconnect switches,
etc.) shall be defined in Operating Orders.
4 No work, including switching, shall be done on
any conductor, electrical equipment, or
mechanical equipment without prior
arrangement with, and approval of, the person
with Operating Responsibility for the conductor
or equipment, unless the equipment is not
identified on the operating one-line diagram
and does not adversely affect the Power
System.
5 No work shall be done in any part of an
energized station compound without prior
notice being given to the person with Oper ating
Responsibility for the station, unless otherwise
specified in an Operating Order.
6 Isolation procedures are required for customer
power supplies that are by definition a customer
infeed. For each customer connection 60kV and
above and for each customer connection less
than 60kV with customer infeeds, a jointly
signed Local Operating Order shall identify all
isolation procedures.
500 Isolation, Grounding, Blocking 69
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Rule 502
502 Duties of person in charge (PIC)
1 The PIC coming on duty shall become familiar
with all operating conditions and shall
understand all details necessary to competently
operate the assigned portion of the Power
System.
2 Prior to taking charge, the relieving PIC shall not
take part in the operation of the assigned
portion of the Power System except under
instruction from the PIC still on duty.
503 Project controller
1 On a construction project where there is a
requirement for a PIC and no Operating
Authority exists, the trained and authorized
(Category 6 PSSP or D WPP) Construction
Representative shall automatically be the Project
Controller and shall assume PIC duties for the
project.
2 On a construction project where Operating
Authority already exists, one of the following
strategies shall be used:
a The construction work may be completed
under the existing Operating Authority, with
the PIC assuming Project Controller duties.
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Rule 503
b A construction zone may be established and
the Operating Authority and Operating
Responsibility for the project delegated to
the Construction Representative, who
becomes the Project Controller. The
construction zone shall be established using
Guarantees of Isolation on all points required
to separate the construction zone from the
existing authority.
3 There shall be only one Project Controller at any
time for a project. He or she shall remain in
charge until, in writing, he or she is relieved of
Project Controller duties or delegates the Project
Controller duties to another individual or
Operating Authority. The local manager(s) shall
be informed, in writing, as to who the Project
Controller is at all times.
4 The name of the Project Controller shall be
posted in a conspicuous location on the
construction site.
5 The duties of the Project Controller may be
delegated to the appropriate Operating
Authority with mutual consent.
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Rule 503
6 Duties of the Project Controller:
a The Project Controller shall issue Safety
Protection Guarantees and/or establish and
prepare Group and Personal Lockout as may
be required for the safe undertaking of work
during the construction period.
b The Project Controller shall keep appropriate
documentation, including the following :
○ A formal log of all Safety Protection
Guarantees and Lockouts.
○ A file of cancelled Safety Protection
Guarantee and Lockout forms and
correspondence.
Such records shall be turned over to the
appropriate Operating Authority when
responsibility for the operation of the project
is handed over, and shall not be destroyed
for at least two years following their
cancellation date.
c Immediately before turnover to the
appropriate Operating Authority, the Project
Controller shall recall all outstanding Safety
Protection Guarantees and Lockouts on the
construction project or the portion to be
turned over.
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Rule 504
d If suitable Guarantee of Isolation points have
not been established (as specified in rule
503.2b), the Project Controller shall arrange
in writing to turn over to the appropriate
Operating Authority all responsibilities for
the operation of the project (or portions of it)
before the project (or portions of it) can be
energized from power system sources.
504 Equipment to be treated as energized
1 All high-voltage conductors and electrical or
mechanical equipment that may be operated or
energized by conventional means or by
backfeed shall be treated as energized unless a
Clearance, Test and Work Permit , Self
Protection, or Lockout is in effect and Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding or blocking has
been applied on such conductors or equipment.
Note: Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
and/or blocking is required unless there is a
work procedure approved by the responsible
Engineer in Generation or Work Methods.
2 No work shall be done on equipment where
worker safety depends on:
○ Interlocking (mechanical or electrical) with
the exception of CSA approved transfer
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Rule 505
switches or CSA approved key interlock
switches.
○ Devices which require oil, gas, air, or
hydraulic pressure for the isolation of
hazardous energy.
Note: In Generating Stations and Non-
Integrated Substations, all electrical equipment,
regardless of voltage, shall also be considered
energized unless lockout is in effect.
505 Identification–power system
High-voltage lines, equipment, and stations shall be
identified by a unique numeric or alpha numeric
identifier, and workers shall use this identification at
all times when referring to them.
506 Guarantee of isolation
1 The PIC may receive or issue a Guarantee of
Isolation (GOI) to establish part of the isolation
for work protection.
Note: In NIA, a qualified worker may be PIC for
both PSSP and WPP at the same time and issue
a GOI to themselves for the purposes of
establishing work protection.
2 Within the BC Hydro Power System, the PIC
who issues or receives a Guarantee of Isolation
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Rule 507
shall use a Safety Protection form or a Safety
Protection Record form to record the conditions
established (refer to Appendix C).
3 The isolating devices for the portion of the
system for which the Guarantee of Isolation is
issued shall be secured using “Do Not Operate –
Guarantee of Isolation” tags.
507 Station log
The following activities shall be logged in the
station log:
○ Transfer of Operating Authority
○ Assignment of Operating Responsibility
○ PIC sign in and out after assignment of
Operating Responsibility to the station
○ Station entry/exit (unattended stations):
record name, time, and purpose of visit
○ Switching instructions related to equipment
identified on the operating one-line
diagram , or the number and purpose of the
Switching Order and the date and time it
was completed
○ Description of equipment status changes
initiated at the station, including auxiliary
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Rule 508
equipment status changes not recorded at
the Control Centre.
○ Protective relay flags
○ Issue, receipt, and return of Guarantee of
Isolation (GOI)
○ Names of workers and isolating devices for
which Personal Lockout or Self Protection
remains in effect beyond a shift. If Self
Protection has three or more points of
isolation , they must be logged.
○ Tags applied to Power System equipment to
indicate abnormal status.
508 Operating communications protocol
1 Anyone issuing operating instructions (whether
verbally or in writing) shall make certain that
these instructions are specific and follow the
intended sequence of operation .
2 In all operating instructions and
communications, participants shall use clear,
precise terms:
○ Switches shall be described as “open” or
“closed”.
○ Conductors and electrical or mechanical
equipment shall be described according
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Rule 509
to their specific condition (for example:
isolated, grounded, blocked, energized, or
de-energized).
3 A worker receiving verbal instructions shall
repeat them back to the issuer word for word
and shall receive acknowledgement (repeat-
back procedure). Clear and legible instructions
sent electronically (by fax or email) do not
require the repeat-back procedure.
4 When direct, verbal communication is lost or
unreliable, the person with Operating
Responsibility for the equipment may relay
switching or operating instructions by telephone
or radio through a third qualified worker,
providing repeat-back procedures are followed.
509 Switching devices identified on the operating one-line diagram
1 An isolating device identified on an operating
one-line diagram shall not be operated other
than by order of the person with Operating
Responsibility, except in the case of an
emergency to protect life or prevent injury.
2 Each switching sequence shall be carefully
planned, and shall be checked for accuracy and
completeness with respect to the work to be
500 Isolation, Grounding, Blocking 77
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Rule 509
done, by a second person qualified and
authorized to do so.
3 The person with Operating Responsibility shall
ensure that the worker doing the switching is
qualified and authorized and understands the
switching sequence.
4 Before manually operating a disconnect switch,
the worker doing the switching shall check open
the mechanism or semaphore position of the
associated circuit breaker(s).
5 Before manually operating any substation
disconnect switch, the remote or automatic
closing operation of the associated circuit
breaker shall be rendered inoperable.
6 A worker doing the switching for Worker
Protection purposes shall:
a Confirm the designation of each device and
the action required by the switching
instruction before operating the device.
b Obtain a visual confirmation of the position
(open or closed) of the device after operating
a switch.
c Notify the PIC when the switching is
completed.
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Rule 509
7 A disconnect switch shall not be used to break
load, magnetize or parallel current, or pick up
load unless it is known that the disconnect
switch is adequate for the intended purpose.
8 When operating manual disconnect switches
that cannot be inched open, operate the switch
using a continuous swift motion. Visually
confirm that all blades are fully opened.
9 When operating manual disconnect switches
that can be inched open, use the following
procedure:
a Gradually open the switch until the blades
just part to determine whether arcing is
present.
b If arcing is unacceptable, quickly close the
switch and advise the person who ordered
the switching.
c If arcing is acceptable, open the switch with
a continuous swift motion if practicable.
Visually confirm that all blades are fully
opened.
10 When closing a manual disconnect switch, close
it with one continuous deliberate motion, if
practicable. Visually confirm that all blades are
properly closed.
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Rule 509
11 Manually and electrically operated switches that
are provided with locking facilities shall be
locked in the appropriate position.
12 Approved and tested class 1 or above rubber
gloves shall be used when hand-operating
high-voltage switches and high-voltage rackout
circuit breakers.
13 When switching on the Underground
Distribution (UD) System:
a Load break elbows shall be operated with an
approved live line tool.
b For work in manholes and street vaults:
i Approved confined space entry
procedures shall be used.
ii Load break elbows shall not be used to
make or break load.
iii Load break elbows employed with
transition modules shall not be operated
while either the elbow or the module is
energized.
14 Switching Order forms shall be retained for two
years from the date of switching completion.
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Rule 510
510 Voltage regulator bypass disconnects
Bypass disconnect switches of voltage regulators
shall not be operated unless:
○ The automatic control is in the OFF position
○ And the regulator has been verified by two
methods to ensure it is in the NEUTRAL
position
Refer to Voltage Regulator Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP).
511 Verifying isolation
1 Isolation shall be carefully planned and shall be
checked for accuracy and completeness for the
work to be done, by a person qualified and
authorized to do so.
2 An electrical isolation point shall have visual
separation (all phases of a conductor or bus cut,
disconnect, or multi-breaker are open), except
where a CSA approved transfer switch or a
rack-out breaker is used.
3 Immediately before applying Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding or blocking to any
conductor or equipment, workers shall verify
that normal sources of hazardous energy have
been isolated. The intent of verification is to
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positively ensure that the required isolation has
been effective. Methods of verification include,
but are not limited to:
○ Using an approved voltage-checking device.
Note: “Buzzing” with a live line tool as a means
of checking for system voltage is prohibited.
○ Attempting to start a motor via its manual
control, provided there are no interlocks in
the manual control circuit.
○ Checking a vent or drain valve.
Note: The racking-out of draw-out type
switchgear shall be considered the equivalent of
the visual opening of a disconnect switch.
512 Worker protection grounding/ bonding–general
1 All existing high-voltage conductors and
electrical equipment shall be treated as
energized unless one of the following conditions
is in place:
a A Safety Protection Guarantee (SPG) is held,
the worker has verified there is no system
voltage, and Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding has been applied.
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b The conductor or equipment has been
isolated, a worker has verified the isolation,
including checking for no system voltage,
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding has
been applied, and lockout has been
established.
2 Prior to hand-contact on high-voltage
conductors or electrical equipment, whether
new, existing, or under construction, Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding shall be applied
when there is a hazard of accidental energization
from any source including the following:
○ Electro-magnetic or electrostatic induction
(from wind, dust storms, adjacent
conductors, power cables, static capacitors,
etc.)
○ A power source (including backfeed).
○ Contact with crossed or fallen conductors.
○ Lightning (direct or induced).
Note: Work on or in proximity to de-energized
conductors or equipment shall not be done
when lightning is nearby (and for fifteen minutes
after the last lightning is seen or thunder is
heard).
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3 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding shall be
used to establish an equipotential zone at the
work area:
a A point of Worker Protection Grounding
(refer to rule 513) shall be established as
close as practicable to the worksite.
b All conducting parts in the work area
(including neutral conductors, uninsulated
guy wires, static wires, and so on) shall be
bonded together to ensure they are at the
same potential.
c Where an equipotential zone cannot be
established, other approved Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding procedures
shall be used to provide adequate worker
protection.
4 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding leads
shall be constructed, maintained, and tested as
outlined in OSH Standard 206.
5 All components of a Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding system shall be capable of
meeting or exceeding available fault current
levels, as described in Local Operating Orders.
6 On a wood pole structure, pole band(s) of an
approved type shall be used as a component of
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Rule 513
the Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
system.
7 A bond shall be installed across any existing or
impending opening of any high-voltage
conductor, including the neutral. Failing this, a
common ground connection shall be provided
on both sides of the opening being worked on.
8 For work on a high-voltage generator, an
equipotential zone shall be established, or
approved Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding procedures specific to high-voltage
generators shall be followed.
513 Point of worker protection grounding
1 A point of Worker Protection Grounding
consists of a grounding bus, a station ground
grid, a multi-grounded neutral, a metal pole line
structure, or an aerial ground or static wire.
Where none of these is available, a driven
temporary ground rod is acceptable (refer to
rule 513.2). A permanently installed ground rod
at the base of a pole is not acceptable as a point
of Worker Protection Grounding.
2 A driven temporary ground rod shall consist of
an approved metal rod normally driven 180 cm
but not less than 90 cm into compact earth (not
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Rule 514
backfill). Screw type ground rods are not
acceptable. When used at the worksite, the
location of a temporary ground rod shall be
chosen so that it provides the best ground
possible at least 5 metres (preferably 10 metres)
from the base of the structure or from any area
where workers on the ground must work, and in
a direction away from the main work area.
3 Where a driven ground rod is used as a
grounding point, workers on the ground shall
maintain a safe distance from the ground rod to
minimize the danger from Step and Touch
Potential.
4 Appropriate measures shall be taken to prevent
the public or unauthorized workers from
accessing the grounds.
514 Applying or removing worker protection grounding and bonding
1 Worker protection grounding and bonding shall
be applied or removed by, or under the direct
and continuous supervision of, a qualified
electrical worker authorized to a minimum of:
○ PSSP Category 5 with a Safety Protection
Guarantee in place
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○ WPP Category C with switching
authorization
2 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
equipment shall be inspected prior to each use.
3 The isolation of conductors or electrical
equipment shall be verified using an approved
voltage-checking device immediately prior to
applying Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding.
Note: “Buzzing” with a live line tool as a means
of checking for system voltage is prohibited.
4 Worker Protection Grounding shall be
connected to the ground point first. When
connecting to the conductor or electrical
equipment to be grounded, use a live line tool
rated for the system voltage.
5 Ground clamps shall be tightened securely and
shall be in direct contact with clean, bare metal.
6 When removing ground leads, the clamp shall
be disconnected from the conductor or
equipment first. When multiple ground clamps
are in use at a single ground point, the worker
shall confirm that the correct ground clamp is
being removed.
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7 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding leads
shall be so secured that no part can come into
contact with energized conductors.
8 Where tag out procedures are used, grounds
that are not under the direct and immediate
control of the SPG holder shall be secured with
personalized Grounding/Blocking Protection
Tags (refer to rules 611 and 612).
9 Where lockout procedures are used, all grounds
shall be locked with WPP locks.
515 High-voltage capacitors
When high-voltage capacitors are isolated, workers
shall wait a minimum of five minutes before
applying Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding.
Short circuits and Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding shall be applied using approved live line
methods and tools, and shall remain in place until
the work is completed and all workers have
reported clear. For testing purposes only, short
circuits and Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
may be removed briefly during the test and then
reapplied after five minutes.
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Rule 516
516 Work in extra high voltage (EHV) station areas
These rules shall apply, in addition to the Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding requirements, when
work is performed in designated areas in stations
that are energized at Extra High Voltage (EHV).
EHV is defined as 325 kV phase to phase and
above.
Note: The requirements outlined in this rule may
have application in lower voltage stations where
similar conditions exist.
1 When working in a strong electric field,
inadvertent movements, caused by electrical
discharges (bites), may result in incidents such
as falling or dropping tools. Workers who
experience such discharges shall take action to
eliminate the condition by any one or a
combination of the following methods:
a By standing on a metallic surface connected
to the station ground.
b By wearing a suitable drainer such as a
metallic shoe insert connected to the work.
c By adjusting the work arrangement to
provide electrical shielding.
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Rule 516
d By wearing boots with semi-conducting
soles. Such boots shall be worn only in the
immediate work locations and precautions
(rubber gloves, rubber over-shoes) shall be
taken to avoid the electric shock hazard of
low-voltage circuits.
2 Draining: All metallic parts between ground
leads that are insulated from ground (for
example, an air blast breaker interrupter in the
open position), with which workers may come in
contact, shall be electrically drained to ground.
A flexible conductor equipped with a large
alligator or battery clip connected to the
scaffold or the bucket grid shall be used to
establish contact.
3 Metal Ladders: Metal ladders may be used in
designated EHV areas only under direct
supervision of qualified workers.
a When a metal ladder is moved around in the
EHV area, great caution shall be exercised.
The ladder shall be carried as close to the
ground as practicable (not on the shoulder)
to reduce the hazard from step and touch
potential.
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b When a metal ladder is used, it shall have a
Worker Protection Ground installed before
placing it into position.
c When a metal ladder is left unattended,
steps shall be taken to prevent its removal by
unauthorized workers. If the ladder is not
used, it shall be placed in its designated
storage area and locked in position such that
unauthorized workers cannot remove it from
its storage position.
4 Scaffolds: In addition to the requirements of
rule 308.5:
a Non-metallic platforms forming parts of the
scaffold shall be covered with metallic
gridding that is electrically drained to the
scaffold.
b A metallic wand electrically connected to the
scaffold shall be used to established initial
contact with metallic objects.
c All metallic objects except small items, such
as hand tools, bolts and nuts, with which
workers may come in contact shall be
electrically drained to the scaffold.
5 Aerial Lifts: When uninsulated aerial lifts are
used, column 3 or 4 limits of approach shall be
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maintained. When work is to be performed
from an aerial lift with a non-metallic bucket,
the bucket shall be equipped with a metallic grid
that covers at least 90% of the floor area.
a The grids shall be electrically drained to the
work area via flexible conductors equipped
with large alligator or battery clips.
b Both grids shall be electrically connected
together and also to all metallic parts at the
head of the boom.
c All metallic objects except small items such
as hand tools, bolts, and nuts, with which
workers may come in contact, shall be
drained to the bucket grid.
6 Vehicles and equipment: All large vehicles
(flatdecks , trucks, and so on) and all large pieces
of equipment (transformers on low bed trailers,
for example) shall be grounded to the station
ground using a Worker Protection Ground lead
(refer to rule 409).
7 Power hand tools and test equipment:
a Power hand tools (except double insulated )
shall be grounded to the station ground grid
via the three-wire supply cable and also via
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Rule 517
a flexible ground lead attached from the tool
case to the ground grid at the work location.
b Extension cables shall be stretched out
rather than coiled up.
c Isolating transformers shall also be used with
AC operated test equipment to protect the
equipment.
517 Power cables and duct banks
1 No cutting, splicing, soldering bonds, wiping
joints, or repairing armour shall be done on
energized cables in excess of 750 volts AC or
300 volts DC.
2 Before cutting into any high-voltage cable that
has been in service, it shall be isolated, and a
Safety Protection Guarantee shall be in place or
lockout established. The cable shall be identified
and tested with approved equipment to ensure
that it is isolated. High-voltage cables shall be
cut only after the cable has had Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding applied at the
cutting site, unless an approved remote-
operated cutting device is utilized.
3 A qualified electrical journeyperson shall be in
attendance when breaking the concrete portion
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Rule 518
of a duct bank that contains high-voltage
cables.
4 Ducts containing energized high-voltage cables
shall be broken into by or under the direction of
a qualified electrical journeyperson at the work
site using approved non-powered hand tools.
5 Whenever “windows” are being cut with a jack
hammer in a vault or manhole containing
energized high-voltage cables, two workers,
one of whom shall be a qualified electrical
journeyperson, shall be assigned to carry out the
work.
6 Where manholes are to be built around duct
banks containing energized high-voltage cables
with the intention of opening such ducts into
the manhole, the ducts shall be broken-out
before the roof slab is constructed.
7 All entry into manholes and street vaults shall be
in accordance with approved confined space
work procedures.
518 Blocking
1 When mechanical equipment (such as hydraulic
waterways, storage tanks or other sealed areas,
pressurized pipes or vessels, or machinery) is to
be isolated for work, suitable blocking shall be
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Rule 519
employed to prevent inadvertent energization or
activation of the equipment through direct,
indirect, accidental, gravitational, inertial, or
other means.
2 Blocking of equipment shall consist of physically
securing parts and attachments against
inadvertent movement. Blocking of electrical
equipment may consist of additional openings
or physical barriers to prevent the possibility of
any flow of electricity.
3 Blocking shall not depend upon:
a The maintaining of oil, gas, air, or hydraulic
pressure
b Interlocking, wedging, or other mechanical
devices that may fail or shear upon normal
movement.
519 Work on a device being used as an isolation point
No work shall be performed on a device that is
being used as an isolation point for lock-out or a
safety protection guarantee unless there is an
approved work procedure. This includes physical
connections to the isolation device.
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Rule 520
The approved work procedure shall ensure that the
work being performed will not affect the ability of
the isolation point to control the hazardous energy.
Work procedures for this purpose shall be
approved by the responsible Engineer in Generation
or by Work Methods in Transmission and
Distribution.
520 Civil infrastructure
These rules will only apply to new or existing civil
infrastructure containing conductors or electrical
equipment either energized or de-energized on
BC Hydro’s power system.
1 BC Hydro workers shall only be assigned to, and
carry out work for which they are qualified and
authorized to perform.
2 Only BC Hydro qualified and authorized civil
contractors may conduct work on BC Hydro civil
infrastructure.
3 Work will be overseen by a Qualified Electrical
Journeyperson, whose responsibility will be to
act as a safety watcher.
Note: For work on Power Cables and Duct Banks
refer to SPR 517.
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Rule 600
Isolation and tag out: PSSP
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
602 Safety protection guarantees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
603 Clearance–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
604 Clearance requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
605 Test and work permit–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
606 Test and work permit requirements . . . . . . . . . . .116
607 Self protection–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
608 Self protection requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
609 Customer isolation–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
610 Customer isolation requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
611 Grounding/blocking protection
tag–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
612 Grounding/blocking protection
tag requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
613 Tags–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
614 Requirements for tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
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Rule 601
601 General
1 This section specifies the rules and
requirements for isolation and tag out on the
Distribution and Transmission Power System.
2 For areas off the Power System, as described in
Local Operating Orders, workers shall use
lockout procedures, as described in OSH
Standard 204 and Part 10 of the WorkSafeBC
Occupational Health & Safety Regulation.
602 Safety protection guarantees
1 Three types of Safety Protection Guarantee
(SPG) are approved for use on the power
system to ensure that high-voltage conductors
or electrical or mechanical equipment are
isolated and will remain isolated:
○ Clearance (including Protection Extension)
○ Test and Work Permit
○ Self Protection
2 Safety Protection Guarantees are enforced by
“Do Not Operate” tags (refer to rule 614.1 and
Appendix C).
3 After receiving a SPG, workers shall verify
isolation (refer to rule 511) and shall apply
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and/or
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Rule 603
blocking before they commence work on high
voltage conductors or equipment.
Note 1: Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
and/or blocking is required unless there is a
work procedure approved by the responsible
Engineer in Generation or Work Methods.
Note 2: The racking out of draw-out type
switchgear shall be considered as the equivalent
to Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding while
working on such switchgear.
603 Clearance–general
The rules in this section apply to all Clearances,
including Protection Extension.
1 A Clearance is a stated assurance that one or
both of the following is true:
a A specified conductor or electrical
equipment is isolated, and it is safe to apply
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
go to work.
b A specified piece of mechanical equipment
is isolated, and it is safe to apply blocking
and go to work.
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Rule 603
The protection provided by a Clearance may be
extended to another authorized worker through
a Protection Extension.
2 A Clearance shall be issued only by the PIC of
the affected line or equipment.
3 A Clearance shall be issued only to a worker
who is authorized to PSSP category 5 or 6.
4 A Clearance issuer who believes that the
planned work exposes the workers or the
system to undue risk shall refuse to issue a
Clearance.
5 Where appropriate, a single Clearance may be
used to provide both mechanical and electrical
protection.
6 A Clearance shall not be issued on a line or
equipment on which a Test and Work Permit
has been issued.
7 Operating Orders shall define the exact location
of any boundaries between areas of different
Operating Authority, such as structure numbers,
line disconnect switches, circuit breaker
disconnect switches, etc. (refer to 101.4). A
Clearance shall be issued from only one
Operating Authority.
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Rule 603
8 Before issuing a Clearance that depends in
whole or in part upon a Guarantee of Isolation
from a different Operating Authority, the
Clearance issuer shall ensure that the PIC is
qualified to provide such a guarantee. If the
Clearance issuer is not satisfied, the Clearance
shall not be issued.
9 Because of the hazard of backfeed from station
voltage transformers (VTs) and Station Service
transformers, a Clearance shall not be issued
unless such transformers have first been
rendered safe against backfeed. Protection
against backfeed may be by one of the
following methods:
○ Opening secondary knife switches
○ Removal of drawout gear
○ Removal of fusing
○ Short-circuiting by the attachment of an
adequate secondary (low-voltage) short
circuit at or near the transformer’s terminals.
Exceptions:
○ This rule does not apply to devices equipped
with non-conductive connections, such as
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Rule 603
optical fibre to the secondary of a voltage/
current transformer.
○ It is not necessary to isolate VT secondaries
at series capacitor stations for line work.
○ It is not necessary to isolate VT secondaries
at substation(s) that are completely de-
energized to allow work to be done under
a Clearance on the transmission line (no
sources of hazardous infeed).
10 Within a zone covered by a Clearance, the
following procedures are permissible, provided
the PIC has been informed:
○ The operation of a disconnect switch
for the purpose of adjustment, provided
the disconnect switch is not one of the
Clearance isolation points, and both sides of
the disconnect switch are bonded together
and grounded for the duration of the
adjustment.
○ The operation of a circuit breaker (locally
or by supervisory control), provided no
hazardous electrical or mechanical tests are
required and Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding is in place.
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Rule 603
11 Where more than one crew is required to work
on the same line or equipment, an authorized
worker on each crew shall obtain a separate
Clearance or work under the Protection
Extension of an existing Clearance. Multiple
Clearances on the same line or equipment shall
have the same isolation points.
12 The worker receiving a Clearance, including
cases in which it is sent electronically (by fax or
email), shall verbally repeat back all components
of the Clearance word-for-word and receive
acknowledgement (repeat-back procedure).
13 A Clearance shall be obtained directly from, and
returned directly to, the PIC of the affected line
or equipment. When direct communication is
lost or is unreliable, it is permissible to relay the
communications by phone or radio through a
third qualified worker, using repeat back
procedure.
14 A Clearance shall cover all work to be done by
the Clearance holder’s crew. The Clearance
holder shall be personally responsible for each
worker allowed to work on or to inspect the line
or equipment to which the Clearance applies. If
the Clearance holder leaves the job, personal
responsibility ceases, and the authorized worker
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Rule 604
left in charge shall take out a separate Clearance
or work under a Protection Extension on the
existing Clearance. In either case, the new
Safety Protection Guarantee holder becomes
personally responsible for anyone working
under their Clearance or Protection Extension.
15 A Clearance or Protection Extension shall be
returned only by the worker to whom it was
issued. If this is not possible, the matter shall be
referred to the Senior Manager in charge of the
work (or his or her designate or a higher
authority), who shall be responsible for the
return of the Clearance in a safe manner, as
governed by circumstances.
16 Completed Safety Protection and Safety
Protection Record forms shall be retained for at
least two years from the date of Clearance
return.
604 Clearance requirements
1 Worker Requesting a Clearance:
a Give your name and request a Clearance.
b State clearly what line or electrical and/or
mechanical equipment you require isolated
and the purpose of the isolation.
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c In the case of station work where there may
be enclosed or concealed equipment,
discuss the location of hazards using station
diagrams and drawings and, if so desired,
ask to have the location of the various
associated switches or equipment
specifically shown to you.
2 PIC Issuing a Clearance:
a Obtain the name of the worker asking for
the Clearance, the type of work to be done,
and the exact designation of lines or
equipment to be isolated.
b Ensure that no Test and Work Permit is in
place and that the requesting worker is
authorized to receive a Clearance.
c Arrange for the isolation of the specified line
or equipment, with “Do Not Operate –
Clearance” tags on isolating devices and on
mimic displays to establish the protective
conditions. When the PIC issues two or
more Clearances that depend upon an
identical set of isolation points, a single set
of field isolation tags is sufficient, provided
that the PIC’s mimic display board is
enforced with a separate set of tags for each
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Rule 604
Clearance. If a Clearance shares an isolation
point with an adjacent SPG, a separate field
tag shall be used for each SPG.
d Log the switching steps. When a switching
sequence consists of three or more steps,
the PIC shall use a Switching Order form and
shall record the Switching Order number in
the Log.
e Complete the Safety Protection form,
including all the isolation points that
establish the Clearance. Record in the log the
Clearance number, the designation of lines or
equipment to which the Clearance applies,
and the time and date. Where Clearances
have one or more isolating points in
common, the Safety Protection forms shall
be cross-referenced to indicate the number
of Clearances issued.
f Advise the worker requesting the Clearance
that the line or electrical and/or mechanical
equipment is isolated, stating the Clearance
number.
3 Worker Receiving a Clearance:
a When you have been notified that the
required conductor or equipment is isolated
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Rule 604
and have been given the Clearance number,
complete the Safety Protection Record form,
marking it as a Clearance and recording the
number.
b Warn all workers under your Clearance to
maintain limits of approach until appropriate
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding or
blocking is in place.
4 Issuing and Returning a Protection Extension:
a A Protection Extension from an existing
Clearance may be issued only to a worker
authorized to PSSP category 3 or higher.
b Ensure the existing Clearance is appropriate
for the work to be done.
c On the Safety Protection Record form for the
Clearance, under the heading “Protec tion
extended to,” record the name of the worker
receiving the Protection Extension , the time,
and the date.
d Inform the worker receiving the Protection
Extension of the hazards involved. If
necessary, install barriers or take other
means to ensure that the work to be
undertaken does not create a hazard to life,
property, or service. For a worker authorized
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Rule 604
to PSSP category 3 or 4, direct and
personally observe the worker applying any
Grounding/Blocking Protection tags they
may require (refer to rules 611 and 612).
e Inform the worker who requested the
Protection Extension that work may
proceed .
f When work under a Protection Extension
has been completed, ensure that the worker
holding the Protection Extension has advised
their crew to stay clear of the lines or
equipment. For a worker authorized to PSSP
category 3 or 4, direct the worker to remove
any Grounding/Blocking Protection tags they
have applied.
g On the Safety Protection Record form for the
Clearance, have the worker returning the
Protection Extension, sign and records their
name, the time and date of return.
If this is not possible, the worker can verbally
return the Protection Extension to the
Clearance holder.
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Rule 604
5 Worker Returning a Clearance:
a Ensure that all workers and equipment are
clear and that any Protection Extension(s)
have been returned.
b Advise all workers under your Clearance that
the conductor or equipment shall be treated
as energized, and warn them to stay clear.
c Report to the Clearance issuer, stating your
name and Clearance number, that all workers
under your Clearance (including workers
under a Protection Extension) are clear of the
conductor or equipment, and that they have
been warned to stay clear. Advise the issuer
whether or not all Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding or blocking that you
have placed has been removed and whether
or not the line or equipment is ready for
service.
d Sign the Safety Protection Record form and
record the time and date.
Note: A Clearance shall be returned before a
Test and Work Permit is issued.
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Rule 605
6 PIC Accepting the Return of a Clearance:
a Obtain the Clearance holder’s name, the
Clearance number, the proper designation of
the conductor or equipment on which the
Clearance holder and crew have been
working, and a statement that all workers
under the Clearance (including Protection
Extensions) are clear and have been warned
to stay clear of the conductor or equipment.
Determine whether or not Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding or blocking
has been removed and whether or not the
conductor or equipment is ready for service.
b Record in the log the Clearance number and
the exact time of the Clearance return .
c Complete the Safety Protection form.
d Direct the removal of all Clearance tags
connected with the Clearance.
605 Test and work permit–general
1 A Test and Work Permit is required when
hazardous electrical or mechanical tests (such as
Doble testing or the operation of a circuit
breaker for tests) are to be conducted on a
conductor or electrical or mechanical
equipment. During such tests, the isolation
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points specified in the Test and Work Permit
shall not be altered.
Note: Electrical testing from an external test
source on low-voltage equipment does not
require a Test and Work Permit, but the
isolating device and equipment must be under
the exclusive and immediate control of the
worker at all times while testing the machine or
equipment.
2 A Test and Work Permit is a stated assurance
that one or both of the following is true:
a A specified conductor or electrical
equipment is isolated, and it is safe to apply
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
go to work.
b A specified piece of mechanical equipment
is isolated, and it is safe to apply blocking
and go to work.
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
blocking devices shall remain in place except
during the tests.
3 A Test and Work Permit shall be issued only by
the PIC of the affected line or equipment.
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4 Not more than one Test and Work Permit shall
be issued or be in force on the same conductor
or equipment at any one time.
5 While a Test and Work Permit is in place, a
Clearance (including Protection Extensions) or
Self Protection shall not be permitted on the
same conductor or equipment.
6 A Test and Work Permit shall be issued only to
a worker who is authorized to PSSP category 5
or 6.
7 Where appropriate, a single Test and Work
Permit may be used to provide both mechanical
and electrical protection.
8 A Test and Work Permit issuer who believes
that the planned work exposes the workers or
the system to undue risk shall refuse to issue a
Test and Work Permit.
9 Operating Orders shall define the exact location
of any boundaries between areas of different
Operating Authority, such as structure numbers,
line disconnect switches, circuit breaker
disconnect switches, etc. (refer to rule 101.4). A
Test and Work shall be issued from only one
Operating Authority.
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10 Before issuing a Test and Work Permit that
depends in whole or in part upon a Guarantee
of Isolation from a different Operating
Authority, the Permit issuer shall ensure that the
PIC is qualified to provide such a guarantee. If
the Permit issuer is not satisfied, the Test and
Work Permit shall not be issued.
11 Because of the hazard of backfeed from station
voltage transformers (VTs) and Station Service
transformers, a Test and Work Permit shall not
be issued, unless such transformers have first
been rendered safe against backfeed. Protection
against backfeed may be by one of the
following methods:
○ Opening secondary knife switches
○ Removal of drawout gear
○ Removal of fusing
○ Short-circuiting by the attachment of an
adequate secondary (low voltage) short
circuit at or near the transformer’s terminals.
Exceptions:
○ This rule does not apply to devices equipped
with non-conductive connections, such as
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optical fibre to the secondary of a voltage/
current transformer.
○ It is not necessary to isolate VT secondaries
at series capacitor stations for line work.
○ It is not necessary to isolate VT secondaries
at substation(s) that are completely de-
energized to allow work to be done under a
Test and Work on the transmission line (no
sources of hazardous infeed).
12 The worker receiving a Test and Work Permit,
including cases in which it is sent electronically
(by fax or email), shall verbally repeat back all
components of the Test and Work Permit
word-for-word and receive acknowledgement
(repeat-back procedure).
13 A Test and Work Permit shall be obtained
directly from, and returned directly to, the PIC
of the affected conductor or equipment . When
direct communication is lost or is unreliable , it is
permissible to relay the commu nications by
phone or radio through a third qualified worker,
using repeat back procedure.
14 A Test and Work Permit shall cover all work to
be done by the Permit holder’s crew. The Permit
holder shall be personally responsible for each
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worker allowed to work on or to inspect the
conductor or equipment to which the Test and
Work Permit applies. If the Permit holder leaves
the job, they must surrender the Permit, and
their personal responsibility ceases. No work
shall be done until the authorized worker left in
charge receives a separate Test and Work
Permit. The new Permit holder becomes
personally responsible for anyone working
under their Test and Work Permit.
15 The Test and Work Permit holder is responsible
to ensure that sources of energy do not create a
hazard to others.
16 Before work is resumed on conductors or
equipment on which tests have been conducted,
the Test and Work Permit holder shall ensure
that safe working conditions are established,
including the re-establishment of Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding or blocking, and
shall advise their crew of any changes in
conditions from those that were in effect prior
to the tests.
17 A Test and Work Permit shall be returned only
by the worker to whom it was issued. If this is
not possible, the matter shall be referred to the
Senior Manager in charge of the work (or his or
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her designate or a higher authority), who shall
be responsible for the return of the Test and
Work Permit in a safe manner, as governed by
circumstances.
18 Completed Safety Protection and Safety
Protection Record forms shall be retained for at
least two years from the date of Test and Work
Permit return.
606 Test and work permit requirements
1 Worker Requesting a Test and Work Permit:
a Give your name and request a Test and
Work Permit.
b State clearly what conductor or electrical or
mechanical equipment you need isolated ,
and state the type of tests you need to
perform.
c In the case of station work where there may
be enclosed or concealed equipment,
discuss the location of hazards using station
diagrams and drawings and, if so desired,
ask to have the location of the various
associated switches or equipment
specifically shown to you.
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2 PIC Issuing a Test and Work Permit:
a Obtain the name of the worker asking for
the Test and Work Permit, the type of
testing to be done, and the exact
designation of conductors or equipment to
be isolated.
b Ensure that no Safety Protection Guarantee
is in place and that the worker is authorized
to receive a Test and Work Permit.
c Arrange for the isolation of the specified
conductor or equipment, with “Do Not
Operate–Test and Work Permit” tags on
isolating devices and on mimic displays to
establish the protective conditions. If the
Test and Work Permit shares a common
isolation point with an adjacent SPG, a
separate field tag shall be used for each
SPG.
d Log the switching steps. When a switching
sequence consists of three or more steps,
the PIC shall use a Switching Order form and
shall record the Switching Order number in
the Log.
e Complete the Safety Protection form,
including all the isolation points that
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establish the Test and Work zone. Record in
the log the Test and Work Permit number,
the designation of conductors or equipment
to which the Test and Work Permit applies,
and the time and date. Where Test and
Work Permits have one or more isolating
points in common, the Safety Protection
forms shall be cross-referenced to indicate
the number of Test and Work Permits
issued.
f Advise the worker requesting the Test and
Work Permit that the conductor or
equipment is isolated, stating the Test and
Work Permit number.
3 Worker Receiving a Test and Work Permit:
a When you have been notified that the
required conductor or equipment is isolated
and have been given the Test and Work
Permit number, complete the Safety
Protection Record form, marking it as a Test
and Work Permit and recording the number.
b Warn all workers under your Test and Work
Permit to maintain limits of approach until
appropriate Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding or blocking is in place.
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4 Worker Returning a Test and Work Permit:
Note: A Test and Work Permit shall be returned
before a Clearance is issued.
a Ensure that all workers and equipment are
clear.
b Advise all workers under your Test and
Work Permit that the conductor or
equipment shall be treated as energized, and
warn them to stay clear.
c Report to the Permit issuer, stating your
name and the Permit number, that all
workers under your permit are clear of the
conductor or equipment, and that they have
been warned to stay clear. Advise the issuer
whether or not all Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding or blocking that you
have placed has been removed and whether
or not the conductor or equipment is ready
for service.
d Sign the Safety Protection Record form and
record the time and date.
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5 PIC Accepting the Return of a Test and Work Permit:
a Obtain the Test and Work Permit holder’s
name, the Permit number, the proper
designation of the conductor or equipment
on which the Test and Work holder and
crew have been working, and a statement
that all workers under the Permit are clear
and have been warned to stay clear of the
line or equipment. Determine whether or not
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding or
blocking has been removed and whether or
not the line or equipment is ready for
service.
b Record in the log the Test and Work Permit
number and the exact time of the Permit
return.
c Complete the Safety Protection form.
d Direct the removal of all Test and Work tags
connected with the Permit.
607 Self protection–general
1 Self Protection is a Safety Protection Guarantee
that a worker authorized to PSSP category 5 or 6
can apply on conductors or equipment for
which a Clearance or Test and Work Permit is
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not required. Such equipment includes: auxiliary
sources to equipment; compressors or pumps
and associated piping systems; high-voltage
lateral distribution lines (below 60 kV); low-
voltage distribution lines or equipment; and
low-voltage station equipment not shown or
listed on operating one-line diagrams.
2 Self Protection may be applied on high-voltage
distribution lines where looped or multiple feeds
do not exist and where the isolation of a
particular line section can be carried out from a
single isolation point.
3 No more than one Self Protection shall be in
place on a high-voltage distribution line isolation
point. Clearances shall be issued if there is a
requirement for more than one crew to work in
an area using the same isolation point.
4 Self Protection shall not be applied on station
equipment where transformers remain
connected, unless such transformers have first
been rendered safe against backfeed. This may
be accomplished by lifting leads, removing
fuses, or by attaching a short circuit at or near
the transformer terminals.
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5 Self Protection shall be applied by an authorized
worker and shall cover the worker’s crew. The
worker applying the Self Protection shall be
personally responsible for each worker allowed
to work under the Self Protection. If this worker
leaves the job, the personal responsibility ceases
and the worker left in charge shall apply a
separate Self Protection.
6 Hazardous testing shall not be permitted under
Self Protection.
7 A Self Protection tag shall be removed only by,
or under the direction of, the worker who has
applied it. If this is not possible, the matter shall
be referred to the senior manager in charge of
the work (or designate or a higher authority),
who shall be responsible for the removal of the
Self Protection in a safe manner.
8 For work on high voltage distribution three
phase systems when a Self Protection is used;
all three phases will be isolated, tagged, tested
and grounded prior to work involving hand
contact.
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608 Self protection requirements
1 Isolating and Tagging for Self Protection:
a Assess the level of system risk, and notify
the PIC if the risk is high.
b Isolate the conductor or equipment to be
worked on, or verify by personal observation
that it is isolated.
c Where station auxiliary isolation involves
three or more devices or remains in place
past the end of the shift, that isolation shall
be logged in the station log.
d Place, or arrange for the placing of, a “Do
Not Operate–Self Protection” tag bearing
your own name on each isolating device.
e Warn all workers under your Self Protection
Permit to maintain limits of approach until
appropriate Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding or blocking is in place.
2 Removal of Self Protection:
a Ensure that all workers and work equipment
are clear and that all Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding and blocking has been
removed.
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b Advise your crew that the conductor or
equipment shall be treated as energized and
warn them to stay clear.
c Remove all “Do Not Operate–Self
Protection” tags that bear your name.
d For distribution lines, you may return the line
to service .
e You may return station and low-voltage
conductors or equipment to service only if
no tags remain.
609 Customer isolation–general
1 Customer Isolation may be applied by BC Hydro
for work on customers’ systems below 60 kV
that are supplied from a single BC Hydro feed
and have no customer infeeds.
2 Customer Isolation may be applied only by
BC Hydro representatives authorized to PSSP
Category 5 or 6.
3 With the agreement of BC Hydro and provided
BC Hydro Customer Isolation remains in place,
customers may elect to apply their own safety
procedures to BC Hydro isolating devices.
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4 Customer Isolation shall be cancelled only by the
customer representative who signed the
Customer Isolation form.
610 Customer isolation requirements
1 BC Hydro and the customer representative shall
meet at the work site and shall review the
Customer Isolation procedures and the
requirements of the particular isolation.
2 BC Hydro shall open a switch or other device to
isolate the customer’s electrical system from the
BC Hydro power system and shall place a “Do
Not Operate–Customer Isolation ” tag on this
isolation point.
3 BC Hydro shall fill out the Customer Isolation
form and give the original to the customer.
BC Hydro shall advise the customer that it is the
customer’s responsibility to test for voltage and
apply Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding.
4 The customer representative shall notify
BC Hydro when they wish to cancel the
Customer Isolation and shall provide to
BC Hydro the signed off Customer Isolation
form and confirmation that the customer’s
workers are clear, Worker Protection
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Grounding/Bonding has been removed, and the
equipment is ready for service.
5 BC Hydro shall sign off the Customer Isolation
form and advise the customer that the
Customer Isolation is no longer in effect.
6 BC Hydro shall close the isolating switch or
device to reconnect the customer and advise
the customer that the line or equipment is
energized.
7 BC Hydro shall retain signed off Customer
Isolation forms for two years.
611 Grounding/blocking protection tag–general
1 The “Do Not Operate–Grounding/Blocking
Protection” tag is an enforcing tag that assures
worker control of Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding and blocking devices (such
as mechanical blocking, station grounds,
removed risers, and physical barriers).
Warning: A Grounding/Blocking Protection tag shall not be used to replace the requirement for a Safety Protection Guarantee to effect proper isolation.
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2 A Grounding/Blocking Protection tag shall be
applied to any grounding or blocking device that
is not at all times under the immediate and
exclusive control of the Safety Protection
Guarantee holder. These may include devices
that appear on operating one-line diagrams
(such as ground switches on SF6 buses) and that
are already tagged for a Safety Protection
Guarantee.
3 A Grounding/Blocking Protection tag shall be
applied only by a worker who is authorized to
receive Safety Protection Guarantees. Protection
Extension holders who are not authorized to
receive a Clearance shall apply and remove their
Grounding/Blocking Protection tags only under
the direction of the Clearance holder (refer to
rule 604.4d and f).
4 The Grounding/Blocking Protection tag is for
the worker whose name appears on the tag, as
well as for their crew. The worker is personally
responsible for maintaining grounding/blocking
protection for themselves and their crew. If the
worker leaves the job, personal responsibility
ceases, and the worker left in charge shall apply
their own Grounding/Blocking Protection tag.
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5 A Grounding/Blocking Protection tag shall be
removed only by the worker who applied it and
whose name is on it. If this is not possible, the
matter shall be referred to the senior manager
in charge of the work (or designate or a higher
authority), who shall be responsible for
removing the tag and the Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding or blocking in a safe
manner, as governed by circumstances.
6 A Grounding/Blocking Protection Tag can be
used to provide worker control of worker
protection grounding and bonding on high-
voltage conductors or electrical equipment
being decommissioned or under construction
where a Safety Protection Guarantee is not
required.
612 Grounding/blocking protection tag requirements
1 Tagging for Grounding/Blocking Protection:
a Ensure that the electrical or mechanical
equipment to be worked on is isolated, a
Safety Protection Guarantee is in effect, and
it is safe to apply Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding or blocking.
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b Apply the grounding/bonding or blocking
devices that are required for protection while
working under the Safety Protection
Guarantee and place a “Do Not Operate–
Grounding/Blocking Protection” tag bearing
your name on each device that is not under
the immediate and exclusive control of the
SPG holder.
2 Removing Grounding/Blocking Protection Tags:
a Ensure that all workers and work equipment
are clear.
b Ensure that all workers under your Safety
Protection Guarantee are advised that the
electrical or mechanical equipment shall be
treated as energized, and warn them to stay
clear.
c Remove the “Do Not Operate–Grounding/
Blocking Protection” tags that you applied to
Worker Protection Grounding or blocking
devices.
613 Tags–general
1 Only those tags illustrated in Appendix C (or, on
a mimic display, electronic equivalents with
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back-ups), shall be used to enforce protective
conditions or inform of unusual conditions.
2 Tags shall be used only for the purpose for
which they are approved.
3 Tags shall be placed or removed only by the
worker arranging the protection or on the
instructions of that worker.
4 Tags shall be so placed as to be readily visible to
workers.
5 Tags shall not be located where they are
accessible to the public unless adequate
precautions are taken to prevent their removal.
614 Requirements for tags
1 Do Not Operate Tags: Do Not Operate Tags are
enforcing tags that shall be applied only by
authorized workers and only to establish and
maintain protective conditions for the following.
a Do Not Operate–Clearance tags shall be
used only for Clearances (including
Protection Extensions) (refer to rule 604).
b Do Not Operate–Test and Work Permit tags shall be used only for Test and Work
Permits. Only one set of such tags shall be
permitted on any conductor or electrical or
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mechanical equipment at any one time (refer
to rule 606).
c Do Not Operate–Self Protection tags shall
be used for Self Protection on conductors
and equipment for which a Clearance or Test
and Work Permit is not required. Each Do
Not Operate–Self Protection tag shall be
inscribed with the name of the worker who
applied it (refer to rule 608).
d Do Not Operate–Customer Isolation tags
shall be used to secure the isolation of
customer conductors or equipment below
60 kV that are supplied from a single
BC Hydro feed and no customer infeed
exists (refer to rule 610).
e Do Not Operate–Grounding/Blocking Protection tags shall be used to secure
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
blocking devices that are not at all times
under the immediate and exclusive control of
the Safety Protection Guarantee holder (refer
to rule 612).
f Do Not Operate–Guarantee of Isolation
tags shall be used to secure Guarantees of
Isolation (refer to rule 506).
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2 Caution Tags:
a Caution tags shall be used to advise workers
of a condition that might lead to a service
interruption, create an unusual situation, or
require a special operating procedure. This is
an information tag only and is not issued as a
permit.
b The Caution tag shall include either a
description of the condition or a reference to
where that information is recorded.
c Caution tags shall not be used to allow any
work that could result in an unsafe condition
if the equipment on which the Caution tag is
applied is operated.
d Paper Caution tags shall be destroyed after
use.
3 Grounded Tags: Grounded tags shall be used
on the PIC’s mimic display to indicate that
Worker Protection Grounds have been left on
conductors or equipment that remain isolated
when no Safety Protection Guarantee is in
effect.
4 Live Line Permit Tags: Live Line Permit tags
shall be used on the PIC’s mimic display to
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indicate that a Live Line Permit has been issued
on a conductor or equipment (refer to rule 423).
5 Assurance of No Reclose Permit Tags: Assurance of No Reclose Permit tags shall be
used on the PIC’s mimic display to indicate that
an Assurance of No Reclose Permit has been
issued (refer to rule 424).
6 Guarantee of No Reclose Tags: Guarantee of
No Reclose tags shall be used on the PIC’s
mimic display to indicate that a Guarantee of No
Reclose is in place (refer to Glossary, rule 423,
and 424).
7 Reclose Off Tags: Reclose Off tags shall be
used to indicate that reclosing is turned OFF for
the issuance of Live Line Permits, Assurance of
No Reclose Permits, Guarantees of No Reclose,
or other operating conditions requiring reclosing
off (refer to rules 423 and 424).
a When reclosing is turned off locally in the
field, Reclose Off tags shall be placed on the
Reclose control in the field and on the PIC’s
mimic display.
b When reclosing is turned off by supervisory
control, Reclose Off tags are not required in
the field or on the PIC’s mimic display.
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8 Line Cut Tags: Line Cut tags shall be used on
the PIC’s static mimic board to indicate a
temporary line cut. Not applicable to an
electronic mimic display.
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Rule 700
Isolation and lockout: WPP
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
701 General policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
702 Isolation of hazardous energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
703 Switching orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
704 Verification of isolation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
705 Isolating devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
706 Mimic display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
707 Retention of documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
708 Personal lockout–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
709 Preparing personal lockout–
equipment on the one-line diagram . . . . . . . . . 150
710 Preparing personal lockout–
equipment not on the one-line diagram . . . . .152
711 Working on equipment protected
under personal lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
712 Visitor access to equipment
protected under personal lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155
713 Hazardous testing under personal lockout . . . .155
714 Removing personal lockout–
equipment on the one-line diagram . . . . . . . . . . .157
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Rule 700
715 Removing personal lockout–
equipment not on the one-line diagram . . . . . .157
716 Group lockout–general . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
717 Establishing group lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
718 Working under group lockout–
BC Hydro workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
719 Working under group lockout–
contractors ’ workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
720 Visitor access to equipment
protected under group lockout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
721 Modifying a group lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
722 Hazardous testing under group lockout . . . . . . . 171
723 Removing group lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
724 In the event of a broken seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
725 Removal of locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
726 Attention tags for unusual conditions. . . . . . . . . .183
727 Isolating devices that are not lockable–
applies to non-integrated area (NIA) only . . . 184
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700
Rule 701
Introduction
The policy, rules, and requirements in this section,
collectively known as Work Protection Practices
(WPP), apply to all work performed on equipment
in Generating Facilities and Non-Integrated
Substations for which hazardous sources of energy
must be isolated and locked out for worker safety.
701 General policy
1 If the energization or startup of equipment or
the release of a hazardous energy source could
cause injury, the energy source must be
isolated, grounded/bonded and/or blocked, and
locked out prior to the start of work, according
to the requirements in this section.
Note: Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
and/or blocking is required unless there is a
work procedure approved by the responsible
Engineer in Generation or Work Methods.
2 Only workers who have been trained and
authorized in WPP procedures may access or
work on protected equipment, except as
stipulated in rule 701.3.
3 Visitors may be given access to, or work on,
protected equipment only under the direct and
continuous supervision of an authorized worker
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Rule 701
(the Host). The Host shall be authorized to at
least Category B at that facility and locked on to
the lockout. The Visitor shall be within sight and
voice contact of the Host at all times, and the
Host shall ensure that the Visitor stays within
the safe work zone.
4 Each worker who accesses or works on
protected equipment shall ensure the isolation
of hazardous energy sources is appropriate for
the work they will do and shall maintain control
over the isolation through the application of
personal locks according to the requirements in
this section. The worker must have full
knowledge of the hazardous energy that has
been isolated, the boundaries of the safe work
area, and the safety procedures for the job.
5 If two or more workers will be using the same
isolation, each worker shall attend a
documented tailboard to discuss all aspects of
the isolation, the hazards of the job, and the
work plan each time they place their personal
lock, in addition to any other times as specified
in this section.
6 If the work procedure for a specific job requires
the placement and removal of personal locks
several times in one day, the requirement for
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Rule 701
separate tailboards can be met by fully
describing the placements/removals of personal
locks and the reasons in the initial tailboard for
the day.
7 Each worker locking on to a group lockout shall
attend a documented tailboard meeting with
the work leader before locking on and starting
work.
8 A personal lock is to be used for the sole
purpose of worker protection and may be
placed only by the worker to whom it has been
assigned. The worker shall control access to the
personal lock key while locks are applied. The
personal lock shall be labelled with the person’s
name.
9 A personal lock shall be removed only by the
worker who placed it. When this is not
practicable, the matter shall be referred to the
facility manager, who shall be responsible for its
removal, according to the requirements in this
section.
10 Hazardous testing is permissible under a
lockout, provided the requirements in rule 713 or
722 are followed. Testing is considered
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hazardous if the answer to any of the following
is “yes”:
○ Is it necessary to modify Group Lockout
isolation to perform the testing?
○ Is it necessary to perform additional isolation
requiring personal locks to prevent the test
energy source from creating hazard to other
workers?
○ To protect other workers from possible
injury, is it necessary to advise them of the
test being carried out, or to place barriers or
signs?
○ If a worker were unaware that testing was
being conducted, could he or she potentially
be harmed?
11 Where a Guarantee of Isolation (GOI) forms
part of the isolation for a lockout, the original
copy of the GOI Safety Protection Record form
shall be stapled to the Personal or Group
Lockout Sheet, and the GOI isolating devices
shall be listed on the lockout sheet. The GOI
record form is to remain with the lockout sheet
until the lockout is returned to the PIC or the
Project Controller, as applicable. WPP locks shall
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be applied to the GOI isolating devices as per
System Operating Order 1J-18.
12 When station service fed by Level 5 feeders
located on the PSSP side of the boundary are
required as part of the isolation for a lockout,
the Customer Isolation process rule 609 and
610 are to be used. Also refer to System
Operating Order 1J-18. The original copy of the
Customer Isolation form shall be stapled to the
Personal or Group lockout sheet, and the
Customer Isolation isolating devices listed on
the lockout sheet. The Customer Isolation form
is to remain with the lockout sheet until the
lockout is returned.
702 Isolation of hazardous energy
1 a The status and the means of securing all
isolating grounding/bonding and blocking
devices shall be clearly indicated on the
Lockout sheet. Example: open and locked,
closed and locked, installed and secured.
b For the purposes of Section 700, all Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding and Blocking
devices required for worker protection shall
be included as part of the isolation, listed on
the Lockout sheet, and secured by locks.
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Note: The racking out of draw-out type
switchgear shall be considered as the equivalent
to Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding while
working on such switchgear.
2 All permanently installed isolating, Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding, and blocking
devices in Generating Facilities and Non-
Integrated Substations shall be clearly labeled
with a unique alphanumeric designation at the
device.
3 All sources of stored hazardous energy shall be
controlled and locked out before work
commences (for example, draining air from a
receiver, or discharging or blocking springs).
4 Where isolation is effected by a temporary bus
cut, flex link/riser removal, or removal of a
section of piping, a lockable method shall be
used to prevent restoration.
The temporary bus cut flex link/riser or piping
section removal is to be identified and tagged
on the mimic display in accordance with the
requirements of rule 706.
5 Where energy sources to an isolating device
must be isolated in order to immobilize the
isolating device (for example, power sources to
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the hydraulic operator of an intake operating
gate or to a motor-operated disconnect), the
isolating device itself and the isolation of power
sources to the isolating device are to be listed as
separate line items on the lockout sheet.
6 Workers applying or removing Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding or blocking
devices shall ensure the isolation of hazardous
energy sources is appropriate for this purpose.
When performing this work, they shall secure
isolating devices using one of the following
methods:
○ By placing a personal lock on each relevant
isolating device.
○ By maintaining control of the group lock key
if all relevant isolating devices are secured by
group locks.
7 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and/or
blocking may be removed for the purpose of
testing under the direction of the worker
responsible for testing. The protective grounds
or blocking shall be replaced immediately after
testing and prior to work continuing on the
protected equipment. Similarly, a hazardous
energy source to equipment not identified on
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the operating one-line diagram may be
temporarily restored for the purpose of testing
(for example, bump testing a motor).
8 Because of the hazard of backfeed from station
voltage transformers (VTs) and Station Service
transformers, a Group Lockout and/or Personal
Lockout shall not be issued unless such
transformers have first been rendered safe
against backfeed. Protection against backfeed
may be by one of the following methods:
○ Opening secondary knife switches
○ Removal of drawout gear
○ Removal of fusing
○ Short-circuiting by the attachment of an
adequate secondary (low voltage) short
circuit at or near the transformer’s terminals.
Exceptions:
○ This rule does not apply to devices equipped
with non-conductive connections, such as
optical fibre to the secondary of a voltage/
current transformer.
703 Switching orders
1 A WPP Switching Order form shall be used for
all switching initiated by a PIC to isolate sources
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of hazardous energy identified on the operating
one-line diagram.
2 All WPP Switching Orders shall be checked for
accuracy and completeness with respect to the
work to be done by a second person qualified to
do so.
The qualifications to check a Switching Order
include:
○ WPP Category D authorization;
○ WPP Category C authorization plus either
authorization to switch isolating devices
identified on the operating one-line
diagram, or specific knowledge of the
equipment to be isolated. If no qualified
person is available, the Switching Order shall
be compared with a Switching Reference
appropriate for the work to be done. The
Switching Reference must have been
checked for accuracy in the last 12 months
and include the following information:
a Equipment and scope of work for which
the isolation is intended
b Name, signature and date of person who
prepared the Switching Reference
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c Device designation, device description
and specific action required for each
switching step, listed in the required
sequence of switching.
704 Verification of isolation
The worker performing verification shall initial the
“verified by” column on either the Switching Order
or the Personal Lockout Sheet as a record that
verification has been completed. Where applicable,
the “verified by” column on the Switching Order or
Personal Lockout Sheet is not to be initialed until
effectiveness of isolation has been proven in a
subsequent step (for example, checking vent or
drain valve after closing a supply line valve). Where
it is not possible to perform verification at the time
of switching, workers must be informed in a
documented tailboard of additional procedures or
precautions that may be required to verify energy
sources are effectively isolated before they lock on.
705 Isolating devices
1 All isolating devices used in WPP must be
lockable.
2 For isolation that depends on the removal of
links or fuses, locking up the removed links or
fuses is not an acceptable method of preventing
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the break from being reclosed. A WPP Lock(s)
is to be secured at the open break.
706 Mimic display
1 There shall be only one mimic display at any one
time, suitably stamped with the words “MIMIC
DISPLAY.”
2 An operating one-line diagram may be used as
a switchyard mimic display. The rule for listing
isolating devices not displayed on the mimic
applies.
3 Immediately following switching, isolating
devices that are locked out for work protection
associated with equipment identified on the
operating one-line diagram shall be displayed or
listed on the mimic display and tagged “Lockout
Applied.” For those devices not permanently
displayed on the mimic, a temporary list of
isolating devices is acceptable–in this case, a
single “Lockout Applied” tag secured to the list
is sufficient.
At thermal facilities, where plant complexity
renders this requirement impracticable,
alternative procedures are acceptable.
4 Bus cuts and riser removal must be either
displayed or listed on the mimic display.
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707 Retention of documentation
1 WPP documentation will be retained for a
minimum of two years at each facility to
facilitate auditing of work protection practices at
that facility.
2 “WPP documentation” includes the following
documents:
○ Switching Orders
○ Personal Lockout Sheets
○ Group Lockout Sheets
○ Group Lockout Modification sheets
○ Test Notification forms
○ Tailboard Discussion Records
○ Requests for Isolation (where applicable)
○ Lock Removal Forms
○ Personal and Group Lock Logs
○ Guarantees of Isolation (GOIs)
○ Transfers of Operating Authority
○ Training Records
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708 Personal lockout–general
1 Under personal lockout, each worker shall
personally:
a ensure that each source of hazardous energy
that may affect their safety during the work
they are going to perform has been isolated.
b apply a Personal lock to each isolating
device , Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding device, and blocking device
required for their personal safety.
2 If a worker has insufficient Personal locks, he or
she may sign out a set of Group Locks for this
purpose. The worker shall record the number of
the Group lock set in the facility Group Lock
Log.
3 Personal lockout may be applied with a Group
Lockout when a worker requires additional work
protection for a specific job. Where isolation
depends on Personal Lockout in addition to a
Group Lockout, a Personal Lockout Sheet shall
be used to list all devices locked with Personal
Locks. The Personal Lockout Sheet shall
reference the Group Lockout Sheet and be
posted visibly at the Lockout Board.
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4 If a worker requiring personal lockout does not
place a personal lock at the time of switching,
an “Attention” tag shall be secured to each
isolating device, pending placement of a
personal lock.
5 Workers who are authorized to Category B at a
facility may lock out shop equipment and
auxiliary equipment not directly associated with
the power system if there are less than 3
isolating devices and a specific written
procedure has been permanently posted at the
equipment. The written procedure shall include
the following steps:
a Identify the equipment to be locked out.
b Stop the equipment.
c Disconnect the hazardous energy sources
(specify isolating devices).
d Verify lockout effectiveness (specify
method).
e Apply personal locks.
709 Preparing personal lockout– equipment on the one-line diagram
1 Each worker requiring Personal Lockout
provides the following information to the PIC:
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the work to be done, the equipment to be
isolated, and any Worker Protection Grounding,
blocking or special isolation requirements.
2 The PIC shall do the following:
a Identify the hazardous energy sources that
must be isolated for the work to be done,
determine the necessary isolating devices,
including those not on the operating one-
line diagram, and establish the sequence of
switching.
b Record the isolating, Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding, and blocking devices
and their required status on a Personal
Lockout Sheet.
c List the switching steps on a Switching
Order in the proper sequence.
d Have the Switching Order checked for
accuracy and completeness with respect to
the work to be done by a second qualified
worker.
3 The worker performing the switching completes
each switching step in the sequence listed on
the Switching Order and verifies isolation,
applying personal locks or Attention tags as
required. At the completion of switching, the
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worker returns the completed Switching Order
to the PIC.
4 The PIC updates the station log and mimic
display.
5 The PIC marks the appropriate column of the
Personal Lockout Sheet to indicate any isolating
devices that could not be verified at the time of
switching and completes the Personal Lockout
Sheet.
6 The worker(s) place the Personal Lockout sheet
in a location identified to all workers required to
work under that Personal Lockout.
710 Preparing personal lockout– equipment not on the one-line diagram
1 The worker preparing Personal Lockout shall:
a Identify the hazardous energy sources that
must be isolated for the work to be done
and determine the necessary isolating,
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding, and
blocking devices.
b List the isolating, Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding, and blocking devices
and their required status on a Personal
Lockout Sheet.
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Note: If there are less than three devices
requiring switching, a Personal Lockout
Sheet is not required.
c Acquire approval from the person with
Operating Responsibility if any device to be
switched affects the power system.
2 The worker switches the isolating devices,
verifies isolation, installs Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding and blocking devices, and
applies personal locks or Attention tags as
required.
3 The worker marks the appropriate column to
indicate any isolating devices that could not be
verified at the time of switching and completes
the Personal Lockout Sheet. The Personal
Lockout Sheet is placed in a location identified
to all workers required to work under that
Personal Lockout.
711 Working on equipment protected under personal lockout
1 Each worker authorized to prepare Personal
Lockout at the facility shall:
a Review the Personal Lockout Sheet and
ensure that the devices listed provide the
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protection he or she requires for the work to
be done.
b Visually check that each device listed on the
Personal Lockout Sheet is switched to the
required position and properly secured.
c Apply their personal lock to each device.
2 Workers not authorized to prepare Personal
Lockout at the facility shall:
a Visually check that each device listed on the
Personal Lockout Sheet is switched to the
required position and properly secured.
b Be directed by an authorized worker in
placing their personal lock on each device.
3 Each worker shall ensure that the number of
personal locks they have placed matches the
number of devices listed on the Personal
Lockout Sheet.
4 If personal locks are to stay on devices
overnight, each worker shall enter, in the station
log, their name and a list of the devices on
which their locks are placed.
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712 Visitor access to equipment protected under personal lockout
Each visitor who requires access to equipment
protected under Personal Lockout shall place a
Visitor Lock on each device listed on the Personal
Lockout Sheet under the direction of a worker
authorized to prepare Personal Lockout at that
facility. Visitors shall remain under the direct and
continuous supervision of a host who has signed
out the required Visitor Locks. The host shall be
authorized to work at the facility and be locked onto
the Personal Lockout.
713 Hazardous testing under personal lockout
Hazardous testing is permissible under Personal
Lockout, subject to the following rules:
1 The Personal Lockout is not applied or
associated with a Group Lockout.
2 Only one test procedure shall be carried out at
any one time.
3 The worker responsible for testing shall take
possession of the Personal Lockout Sheet for
the duration of testing to ensure that no workers
lock on without being fully aware of the testing.
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4 Prior to the start of testing, the worker
responsible for testing shall hold a documented
tailboard with all workers who will be locked on.
5 The worker responsible for testing shall ensure
that sources of test energy will not harm any
worker.
6 The worker responsible for testing shall place
barriers and signs, as required, to protect all
workers from the hazards created by testing.
7 If the worker responsible for testing directs the
removal of Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding or blocking devices for the purpose of
testing, those devices shall be replaced
immediately after testing and prior to work
continuing on the protected equipment.
8 For equipment NOT identified on the operating
one-line diagram, a hazardous energy source
may be temporarily restored for the purpose of
testing (for example, bump testing a motor).
The hazardous energy source shall be isolated
again immediately after testing.
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714 Removing personal lockout– equipment on the one-line diagram
1 If the equipment is not ready for service:
a The last worker to remove their personal
locks shall:
○ secure a completed “Attention” tag to
each isolating device
○ return the Personal Lockout Sheet to the
PIC.
b The PIC shall log the equipment status in the
station log.
2 If the equipment is ready for service:
a The last worker to remove their personal
locks shall return the Personal Lockout Sheet
to the PIC.
b The PIC shall:
○ ensure that all work is completed and all
workers and equipment are clear
○ prepare a Switching Order to return the
equipment to service.
715 Removing personal lockout– equipment not on the one-line diagram
1 If the equipment is not ready for service:
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a The last worker to remove their personal
locks shall secure a completed “Attention”
tag to each isolating device, and shall return
the Personal Lockout Sheet to the PIC. If
there is no PIC signed on, the worker shall
return the Personal Lockout sheet to the
worker who prepared the Personal Lockout
or, if not available, to another worker who is
authorized to prepare Personal Lockout.
b The PIC or other authorized worker who
receives the Personal Lockout sheet shall log
the equipment status in the station log.
2 If the equipment is ready for service:
a The last worker to remove their personal
locks shall return the Personal Lockout Sheet
to the worker who prepared the Personal
Lockout or, if not available, to another
worker who is authorized to prepare
Personal Lockout.
b That worker shall ensure all work is
completed and all workers and equipment
are clear, and then shall return the equip-
ment to service. If the equipment affects the
power system, the worker shall inform the
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person with Operating Responsi bility prior to
switching.
716 Group lockout–general
1 Group Lockout may be used as an alternative to
Personal Lockout when a large number of
workers require work protection or a large
number of isolating devices are required to
complete the work safely.
2 Under Group Lockout:
a An authorized worker shall switch isolating
devices, verify the isolation, apply Worker
Protection Grounding/Bonding and blocking
devices, and place a group lock on each
device.
b At a later time, a different authorized worker
shall visually check each device and place a
second group lock on each device.
c The keys to the group locks shall be placed
in a key box on a Lockout Board, and the key
box shall be secured by a seal.
d Before going to work, each worker shall
place his or her personal lock on the key box
to ensure the equipment remains in a
protected state.
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3 While switching or visually checking an
isolation, a worker shall not possess both group
lock keys, except during lockout removal at the
end of a job.
4 The Group Lockout Sheet is the official record of
isolating devices for a Group Lockout. Isolation
schematics, operating one-line diagrams, and
other aids used to locate isolating devices shall
not be used by workers as an alternative to the
Group Lockout Sheet for determining the
energy sources that have been isolated.
5 No Group Lockout may depend on the isolation
provided by another Group Lockout to establish
safe work conditions.
6 Where it is not practicable for two workers to
independently travel to remote isolating devices,
Local Operating Orders may establish alternate
procedures for switching and visual checking of
these devices. The independence of the
switching and visual checking of these devices
must be maintained.
717 Establishing group lockout
1 Each work leader requiring a Group Lockout
shall provide the following information to the
PIC: the work to be done, the equipment to be
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isolated, and any Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding, blocking, or special isolation
requirements.
2 The PIC shall do the following:
a Identify the hazardous energy sources for
the work to be done, determine the
necessary isolating devices, and establish the
sequence of switching.
b Record the isolating, Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding, and blocking devices
and their required status on a Group Lockout
Sheet.
c List the switching, Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding, and blocking steps on a
Switching Order in the proper sequence.
d Have the Switching Order checked for
accuracy and completeness with respect to
the work to be done by a second qualified
worker.
e Issue the Switching Order and a set of group
locks to a worker who is authorized to
switch.
3 The worker performing the switching shall do
the following:
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a Complete each switching step in the
sequence listed on the Switching Order,
verify the isolation, and secure each device in
the required position with a group lock.
b At the completion of switching, return the
completed Switching Order, group lock key,
and any remaining locks to the PIC. Discuss
with the PIC any Isolating Devices that could
not be verified while switching.
c Sign the switching order and Group Lockout
(GLO) sheet to indicate switching is
completed.
4 The PIC shall:
a Place the first group lock key in the key box
and secure it with their Personal Lock to
control the key.
b Update the station log and mimic display.
c Mark the appropriate column on the Group
Lockout Sheet to indicate any isolating
devices that could not be verified at the time
of switching.
d Issue the Group Lockout Sheet and a second
set of group locks to a second authorized
worker.
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5 The worker performing visual checking shall:
a Check the Group Lockout Sheet against the
Switching Order for clerical accuracy.
b Visually check that each listed device has
been switched to the required position and
properly secured with the first group lock.
c Apply a lock to each device and initial the
Group Lockout Sheet.
d Complete and return the Group Lockout
Sheet to the PIC with the key to the second
set of group locks and any remaining locks.
6 The PIC shall:
a Place the second group lock key in the key
box with the first and apply a key box seal.
b Record the seal number on the Group
Lockout Sheet.
718 Working under group lockout– BC Hydro workers
1 Each work leader shall do the following:
a Ensure that the Group Lockout is appropriate
for the work to be done.
b Hold a documented tailboard meeting to
ensure all workers assigned to the job
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understand which energy sources have been
controlled and which equipment is in a
protected state.
2 Each worker shall do the following:
a Check that the Lockout Board is the correct
one for the work to be done and that the
seal number recorded on the Lockout Sheet
matches the seal number on the Lockout
Board key box.
b Attach his or her personal lock to the scissor
clip on the Lockout Board key box and
proceed to work. By locking on to the key
box, each worker accepts that the work
protection is appropriate for the work that
they will perform.
3 At the end of each shift, each worker shall
remove his or her personal lock from the
Lockout Board key box.
719 Working under group lockout– contractors ’ workers
1 BC Hydro’s Representative (or delegate) shall
ensure that the contractor’s workers have been
provided the training required under the terms
of the contract, authorized to work at that
facility, and assigned the required personal
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locks. The Contractor’s Representative shall be
responsible for ensuring that each of the
contractor’s workers has been adequately
trained in BC Hydro’s Work Protection Practices.
2 BC Hydro’s Representative shall ensure that the
isolation is appropriate for the work to be done,
and shall ensure that the Contractor’s
Representative (or delegate) understands which
energy sources have been isolated and which
equipment is in a protected state.
3 The Contractor’s Representative shall:
a Check that the Lockout Board is the correct
one for the work to be done and that the
Lockout Board key box seal number matches
the seal number recorded on the Lockout
Sheet.
b Hold a documented tailboard meeting to
ensure the contractor’s workers assigned to
the job understand which energy sources
have been isolated and which equipment is
in a protected state.
4 Each contractor’s worker shall:
a Check that the Lockout Board is the correct
one for the work to be done and that the
seal number recorded on the Lockout Sheet
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matches the seal number on the Lockout
Board key box.
b Attach his or her personal lock to the scissor
clip on the Lockout Board key box and
proceed to work. By locking onto the key
box, each contractor’s worker accepts that
the isolation is appropriate for the work he
or she will perform.
5 At the end of each shift, the contractor’s
workers shall remove their personal locks from
the Lockout Board key box.
6 At the completion of the job, the Contractor’s
Representative shall ensure that all work is
completed, all workers and equipment are clear,
and all the contractor’s workers have removed
their personal locks.
720 Visitor access to equipment protected under group lockout
Each visitor who requires access to, or needs to
work on, protected equipment shall place a Visitor
Lock on the key box of a Lockout Board that
provides work protection for that equipment.
Visitors shall remain under the direct and
continuous supervision of a host who has signed
out the required Visitor Locks. The host shall be
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Rule 721
authorized to work at the facility and be locked onto
the Lockout Board key box.
721 Modifying a group lockout
Note: Modification of a Lockout may require adding
devices, removing devices, or a combination of the
two. Where a Group Lockout Modification does
not involve both adding and removing devices at
the same time, the sequence of issuing Switching
Orders and Group Lockout Modifications must
reflect this. Rules in 716 and 717 Group Lockout
must be met. The following process outlines a
Group Lockout modification that involves removing
and adding devices.
1 The Work Leader shall ensure that all workers
have removed their personal locks from the
Lockout Board key box and then shall inform the
PIC of the reasons for the lockout modification
and the changes required for work to proceed.
2 The PIC shall do the following:
a Determine the isolating devices to be
removed from and/or added to the lockout.
b Prepare a Group Lockout Modification form
listing all isolation, Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding, and blocking changes
required.
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c Remove the Group Lockout Sheet from the
Lockout Board and the seal from the key
box, and apply their personal lock to the key
box to control the keys.
d List the switching steps for the devices to be
added and/or removed from the lockout on
a Switching Order form, including any
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
blocking devices, and have the Switching
Order checked for accuracy and
completeness, with respect to the work to
be done, by a qualified worker.
e Issue the Group Lockout Modification form
and the Visual Check lock set key to an
authorized worker.
3 The authorized worker shall:
a Remove the Visual Check locks from the
isolating devices listed to be removed on the
Lockout Modification form.
b Return the Group Lockout Modification
form, the Visual Check lock set key, and the
locks to the PIC.
4 The PIC shall issue the Switching Order and the
Switching lock set key to a different worker who
is authorized to switch.
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5 The worker shall:
a Remove the Switching lock from each of the
devices to be removed from the lockout.
b Switch the devices to be added to or
removed from the Group Lockout in the
sequence listed on the Switching Order.
c Verify the isolation for each device to be
added to the Group Lockout and secure each
device in the required position with a
Switching lock.
d Return the completed Switching Order , the
Switching lock set key, and any remaining
locks to the PIC and discuss with the PIC any
isolating devices that could not be verified
while switching.
e Sign the switching order and Group Lockout
Modification form to indicate switching is
completed.
6 The PIC shall:
a Update the station log and mimic display.
b Mark the appropriate column on the Group
Lockout Modification form to indicate any
isolating devices that could not be verified at
the time of switching.
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c Issue the Group Lockout Modification form
and the Visual Check lock set and key to a
worker who did not perform the switching.
7 The worker shall:
a Visually check that each of the devices
added to the lockout has been switched to
the required position and properly secured
and locked.
b Apply a lock from the Visual Check lock set
to each device, and initial the Lockout
Modification form.
c Return the Visual Check lock set key, any
remaining locks, and the completed Group
Lockout Modification form to the PIC.
8 The PIC shall:
a Place both keys in the Lockout Board key
box, apply a new seal to the key box and
record the new seal number on the Group
Lockout Modification form.
b Post the Group Lockout Modification form in
front of the Group Lockout Sheet at the
Lockout Board.
9 The work leader shall hold a documented
tailboard meeting and ensure that all workers
700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP 171
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Rule 722
assigned to the job understand the
modifications to the lockout.
10 Workers shall place their personal locks on the
Group Lockout Board and proceed with the
work.
11 No more than two Group Lockout Modification
forms shall be attached to a Group Lockout
Sheet. If modification to a Group Lockout is
required after two modifications have been
completed, the PIC must prepare a new Group
Lockout Sheet listing all current isolating devices
after the third modification is complete. A new
Group Lockout Sheet may be produced after
each modification, if desired. The worker
performing the Modification Visual Check also
checks the new Group Lockout Sheet for clerical
accuracy and signs it. Previous Group Lockout
Modification forms and Group Lockout Sheets
are to be kept by the PIC. New Group Lockout
Sheets are to retain the number of the original
Group Lockout Sheet together with a suffix
indicating the number of the revision.
722 Hazardous testing under group lockout
The following procedure is required only if testing
may result in the transmission or release of energy
172 700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP
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Rule 722
of potential harm to workers not directly engaged
in the test activity. If these conditions do not apply,
testing may proceed using safe work procedures.
1 The work leader shall appoint a test coordinator
(authorized Category C or higher worker at that
facility), who shall be responsible for
coordinating and ensuring the overall safety of
all test activities. Each test shall have a test
leader (authorized Category B or higher worker),
who shall be present for all testing for which
they are responsible and shall ensure that
sources of energy do not create a hazard to
other workers. If only one test is conducted at
one time, the test coordinator may carry out
both roles.
2 The test coordinator shall place a “Testing in
Progress” sign over the Lockout Board key box.
3 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
Blocking must remain in place except during any
actual testing that requires its removal.
4 If testing can proceed without modifying the
Group Lockout:
a The test coordinator shall hold a
documented tailboard with all workers
working under the Group Lockout, at which
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Rule 722
the following topics shall be discussed: the
test sequence, any additional isolating
devices that may require personal locks,
specific safety procedures, and location of
safe work areas.
b The test coordinator shall prepare a Test
Notification form for each test and shall post
it at the Lockout Board. All additional
isolating devices requiring personal locks
shall be listed on the Test Notification form.
c Workers who are not directly involved in the
testing but cannot work safely while testing
is in progress, shall remove their personal
locks from the Lockout Board key box and
stay clear of the protected equipment.
d Workers not affected by the testing may
return to work with the permission of the
test coordinator.
5 If the Group Lockout must be modified to allow
for testing:
a The test coordinator shall request all workers
to remove their personal locks from the
Lockout Board key box and to stay clear of
the protected equipment.
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Rule 722
b The Group Lockout isolation shall be
modified using the “Modify Isolation”
procedure. An “Attention” tag shall be
secured to each isolating device removed
from the Group Lockout for the purpose of
testing, and remain on each device until the
completion of the testing.
c The test coordinator shall hold a
documented tailboard with all workers
working under the Group Lockout, at which
the following topics shall be discussed: the
changes to the isolation, the test sequence,
any additional isolating devices that may
require personal locks, specific safety
procedures, and location of safe work areas.
d The test coordinator shall prepare a Test
Notification form for each test and shall post
it at the Lockout Board
e Workers who require access to the
protected equipment and are not directly
involved in or affected by the testing may
place their personal locks on the Lockout
Board key box and proceed to work with the
permission of the test coordinator.
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Rule 722
6 The test leader shall place barriers and signs as
required to protect all workers from the hazards
created by testing.
7 Workers directly involved in the testing shall
place their personal locks on the Lockout Board
key box and also on any additional isolating
devices required to establish safe working
conditions during testing. Personal locks placed
on the additional isolating devices may be
removed and the isolating devices operated
under the direction of the test leader (with the
permission of the PIC where required).
8 At the completion of testing, the test leader
shall inform the test coordinator that testing is
complete.
9 The test coordinator shall:
a Ensure all personal locks have been removed
from the additional isolating devices and
initiate restoration of the isolation, using
“Modify Group Lockout” procedure, as
required.
b Remove the “Testing in Progress” sign and
the Test Notification form from the Lockout
Board.
176 700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP
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Rule 722
10 The test coordinator is not required to remain
on site during testing. However, in the test
coordinator’s absence, workers who are not
already locked on to the Group Lockout cannot
lock on, and there can be no change in approved
test activity.
If the original test coordinator is not available,
the work leader who appointed that test
coordinator (or another knowledgeable work
leader directed by the facility manager to act as
work leader) may appoint a new test
coordinator using the following procedure:
a The work leader removes the Test
Notification(s) from the lockout board and
appoints a new test coordinator.
b The new test coordinator places their name
on the “Testing in Progress” sign over the
lockout board key box.
c The new test coordinator discusses the
testing in progress with the test leader(s)
and prepares a new Test Notification(s).
d The test coordinator holds a tailboard with
all workers to inform them of the change in
test coordinator.
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Rule 723
e The work leader advises the original test
coordinator upon their return to work.
723 Removing group lockout
1 The work leader shall:
a Ensure that all workers and equipment are
clear and all personal locks have been
removed from the Lockout Board key box.
b Complete and return the Group Lockout
Sheet to the PIC and inform the PIC whether
the equipment is ready for service or not.
2 The PIC shall:
a Break the seal on the Lockout Board key box
and remove the keys.
b Determine the required switching and list
the switching steps, including removal of
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding and
blocking devices, on a Switching Order . The
Switching Order shall be checked for
accuracy and completeness by a qualified
person.
c Issue the Switching Order and both group
lock set keys to a worker authorized to
switch.
178 700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP
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Rule 724
3 The worker shall:
a Remove both group locks from the listed
devices and switch the devices as required .
b Return the Switching Order and both group
lock sets and keys to the PIC.
4 The PIC shall:
a Update the station log and mimic display.
b Return the equipment to service, as
required.
724 In the event of a broken seal
If a Lockout Board key box seal is found broken:
1 The PIC shall immediately have all workers stop
work, remove their locks, and secure the key
box with his/her personal lock.
2 The PIC shall produce a new Group Lockout
Sheet identical to the existing Lockout Sheet.
The worker performing the visual check shall
check the new Group Lockout Sheet against the
previous Group Lockout Sheet for clerical
accuracy. The PIC shall have all devices and
locks for that lockout visually checked by an
authorized worker who will enter their initials
beside each device checked and sign the form.
700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP 179
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Rule 725
No modification to the existing Group Lockout is
permitted during this process.
3 If the visual checker finds no deviation from the
existing lockout:
a The PIC shall apply a new seal to the key box
and record the number of the new seal on
the new Group Lockout Sheet.
b The Work Leader shall hold a documented
tailboard with all workers before they lock on
and proceed with work.
4 If the visual checker discovers any deviation
from the existing Group Lockout, the Group
Lockout shall be removed and no work can
proceed until the lockout has been reestablished
following the requirements in rule 717.
725 Removal of locks
1 A personal lock shall be removed only by the
worker who installed it, either at the completion
of their job (Personal Lockout) or at the end of
shift (Group Lockout). If this is not possible, the
matter shall be referred to the facility manager,
who shall be responsible for its removal, as
described in this rule.
180 700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP
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Rule 725
2 If a worker is unable or fails to remove a
personal lock at the appropriate time, but that
failure does not hamper in any way the work of
others or the operation of the equipment, the
worker shall be reminded, as soon as possible,
of the mandatory requirement for lock removal.
3 If a worker cannot remove a personal lock
(because they do not have the key in their
possession, for example, or are off-site and
cannot be contacted) and it is necessary to
return the associated equipment to service or to
modify the isolation, the facility manager shall
first make every reasonable effort to have the
worker remove the lock. If that is not possible,
the manager shall use one of the following
procedures to remove the lock.
4 Where the facility manager is able to access the
Lockout Key Cabinet personally, he or she shall
do the following:
a Conduct an inspection of the work area to
confirm that the worker is clear and, if no
other personal locks remain, that the
machinery or equipment can be operated
safely.
b Prepare a Lock Removal Form.
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Rule 725
c Contact the Area Manager (or designate) for
permission to access the duplicate key
stored in the Lockout Key Cabinet.
d Remove the duplicate key from the Lockout
Key Cabinet and remove the worker’s lock(s).
e Return the duplicate key to the Lockout Key
Cabinet.
f If the worker is not present, inform him or
her immediately upon return to work that his
or her personal lock has been removed and
that he or she must contact the Area
Manager (or designate).
g Return the personal lock to the worker on
instruction from the Area Manager (or
designate).
h Complete the Lock Removal Form and send
a copy to Area Manager (or designate).
5 Where it is not practicable for the facility
manager to access the Lockout Key Cabinet
personally, an additional key to the Lockout Key
Cabinet may be stored at the facility in a “code
access” key box. In this case, the facility
manager shall:
182 700 Isolation and Lockout: WPP
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Rule 725
a Direct the work leader at site to inspect the
work area as in rule 725.4a and report back.
b Prepare a Lock Removal Form.
c Contact the Area Manager (or designate) for
permission to access the duplicate key.
d Provide the key box access code to the work
leader, and direct him or her to:
○ Retrieve the key for the Lockout Key
Cabinet from the code access key box
○ Access the duplicate key stored in the
Lockout Key Cabinet
○ Remove the lock(s)
○ Return the duplicate key to the Lockout
Key Cabinet
○ Return the key for the Lockout Key
Cabinet to the code access key box.
e If the worker is not present, inform him or
her immediately upon return to work that his
or her personal lock has been removed and
that he or she must contact the Area
Manager (or designate).
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Rule 726
f Return the personal lock to the worker on
instruction from the Area Manager (or
designate).
g Complete the Lock Removal Form and send
a copy to Area Manager (or designate).
Note: The facility manager shall arrange to have
the access code to the key box changed as soon
as practicable after this requirement is carried
out.
726 Attention tags for unusual conditions
1 Attention Tags:
a Attention tags shall be used to advise
workers of a condition that might lead to a
service interruption, create an unusual
situation, or require a special operating
procedure. This is an information tag only.
b The Attention tag shall include either a
description of the condition or a reference to
where that information is recorded.
c Paper Attention tags shall be destroyed after
use.
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Rule 727
727 Isolating devices that are not lockable– applies to non-integrated area (NIA) only
“NIA WPP Danger–Do Not Operate” tag: A red
and white tag used in Non-Integrated Generating
and Substation facilities attached to a device that is
not lockable, but which must remain secured for
Personal or Group Lockout.
1 A “NIA WPP Danger–Do Not Operate” tag shall
be secured directly to any isolating device that is
not lockable, using a nylon tie or other
acceptable method. The tag shall include the
following information: Switching Order Number
or Lockout Number, device designation, device
description, device status, date of application
and the name and signature of the worker
applying the tag. Such tags placed outdoors
shall be protected from the weather in a suitable
transparent envelope.
2 For isolation that depends on the removal of
links or fuses, locking up the removed links or
fuses is not an acceptable method of preventing
the break from being reclosed. If a lockable
method is not available to prevent reattachment,
a “NIA WPP Danger–Do Not Operate” tag is to
be secured at the open break.
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Rule 727
3 Working on equipment protected under
personal lockout:
a If a device is not lockable, each worker
working under Personal Lockout shall secure
a “NIA WPP Danger–Do Not Operate” tag
with all required information to the device.
b Each worker shall ensure the number of tags
they have placed matches the number of
devices listed on the Personal Lockout Sheet.
c A “NIA WPP Danger–Do Not Operate” tag
used for Personal Lockout (PLO) shall be
removed only by the worker who placed it.
4 Establishing or modifying group lockout:
a If a device is not lockable, the worker
performing the switching shall secure a “NIA
WPP Danger–Do Not Operate” tag with all
required information to the device.
b The worker performing the visual checking
shall secure a second “NIA WPP Danger–Do
Not Operate” tag with all required
information to the device.
c When removing group lockout the worker
performing the switching shall remove both
tags.
800 Safe Crew Complement 187
800
Rule 800
Minimum crew complement, supervision, and safety watcher requirements
800 Safe crew complement principles . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
801 One worker–work that can
be performed and conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
802 Two workers–work that can be
performed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191
803 Three workers–work that can be
performed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
804 Supervision–work requiring
direct and continuous supervision . . . . . . . . . . . . .197
805 Safety watcher–work requiring
a dedicated safety watcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
188 800 Safe Crew Complement
800
Rule 800
800 Safe crew complement principles
The following principles are to be applied in
planning and performing work:
1 There shall be enough qualified workers on site
to safely perform the assigned work.
2 Workers shall only be assigned to, and carry out
work for which they are qualified and authorized
to perform.
3 Viable rescue will be in place for all high hazard
work.
801 One worker–work that can be performed and conditions
Conditions:
a The work does not require two or more
workers as per applicable rules and
regulations.
b A worker check must be implemented prior
to working in a potentially hazardous
situation or traveling in a remote area where
immediate assistance cannot be secured. For
further details, refer to OSH Standard 801.
800 Safe Crew Complement 189
800
Rule 801
Work:
1 Operate a chainsaw in an emergency situation
only and for a short duration provided:
○ The worker is qualified in the operation of a
chainsaw.
○ The worker is wearing appropriate personal
protective equipment. For further details,
refer to OSH Standard 208.
2 Line patrols may be performed provided they
are drive, stop, and inspect line patrols.
3 Battery routine maintenance visual inspections,
voltage readings, specific gravity checks and
topping up of batteries with distilled water.
4 The following tasks are permitted to be
performed by one qualified electrical
journeyperson provided they get no closer than
the Column 2 Limit:
Tasks a, b, c and d shall be performed from an
aerial lift or from the ground:
a Change fuses, operate disconnect switches,
and apply or remove stick mounted
ammeters.
b With a live line permit in place and for the
sole purpose of restoring service,
190 800 Safe Crew Complement
800
Rule 801
manageable objects (e.g. tree limbs or kites)
may be removed from de-energized
overhead conductors.
c Apply or remove worker protection
grounding/bonding leads on electrical
equipment that is not subject to hazardous
induction.
Hazardous induction is an induced voltage on
equipment or a conductor that could
produce a fatal outcome if a worker were to
get in series with this voltage.
d Work on low voltage (less than 750 volts)
energized or de-energized conductors or
equipment. Appropriate barriers, e.g. rubber
gloves, must be in place for work on
energized low voltage conductors. For
further details, refer to SPR 418.1 and OSH
Standard 602.
Tasks e and f shall be performed from an aerial lift
only:
e Use a stick mounted measuring device to
assess wire gauge or the proper application
of a compression splice.
800 Safe Crew Complement 191
800
Rule 802
f Apply or remove hot taps that connect
single phase lines or a single phase
distribution transformer to:
○ Single phase copper or three phase wye
connected copper conductors.
○ Stirrups that are on a single phase or
three phase wye connected lines.
Note: Applying and leaving a hot tap
connected directly to aluminum conductor is
prohibited.
802 Two workers–work that can be performed
1 Line patrols while driving, provided the
passenger does the line inspection.
2 The following tasks require a second worker
qualified and equipped to render or request
emergency assistance.
a Work from an unsecured ladder at a height
greater than 3 metres (10 feet). For further
details, refer to OSH Standard 609.
b Non-routine work and routine corrective
maintenance on batteries. For further details,
refer to OSH Standard 317.
192 800 Safe Crew Complement
800
Rule 802
3 The following tasks require a second worker
qualified to perform a viable rescue.
Viable rescue requires the second worker on site
be qualified in and equipped to perform the
applicable rescue method, including the ability
to assess workplace hazards that could pose a
risk to rescuers. This worker can attend to
various duties at the work site provided they
stay out of potential immediate harm presented
by work area hazards and they remain on site
and in direct communication with the other
worker(s).
a Work from a pole at a height greater than 3
metres (10 feet) the second worker must be
qualified to perform pole top rescue.
b Work from a tower or lattice structure at a
height greater than 3 metres (10 feet) the
second worker must be qualified to perform
tower rescue.
c Work over water, where workers could fall
and drown, and the work area is not
protected by guardrails or other means of
fall protection. A sufficient number of
trained worker(s) must be available to
800 Safe Crew Complement 193
800
Rule 802
perform rescue. For further details, refer to
WorkSafeBC OSH Regulation 32.9.
d When work on communications equipment
is high risk or is being performed in a
hazardous location.
4 The following tasks require a minimum of two
qualified electrical journeypersons on site. The
second qualified electrical journeyperson shall
be qualified and available to perform a viable
rescue.
a All work on exposed energized high voltage
(750 volts or greater) conductors or
equipment where the work is performed
from the ground, other than the tasks set
out for one worker.
b Work on high voltage cables.
c Work on an underground electrical system.
This includes operating elbows, exposed
switching devices, and applying or removing
Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding.
d Applying or removing Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding on conductors or
equipment that is subject to hazardous
induction.
194 800 Safe Crew Complement
800
Rule 802
○ The qualified electrical journeyperson
shall be authorized to a minimum of PSSP
Category 5, or WPP Category C with
Switching Authorization.
803 Three workers–work that can be performed
1 The following tasks require a minimum of two
qualified electrical journeypersons and a third
worker on site. The third worker shall be
qualified and available to perform a viable
rescue.
a All work on exposed energized high voltage
conductors or equipment from an aerial lift
or structure. Exceptions to this rule are set
out in rule 801 and rule 802.
b Removal of hot taps from aluminum
conductors where no stirrup exists. The
following condition applies to this task:
○ A Live Line Permit is required.
c Installation or removal of approved bolt-on
stirrups.
○ A Live Line Permit is not mandatory for
this work on conductors #2 or larger.
800 Safe Crew Complement 195
800
Rule 802
d Live line pole setting. For this work the third
worker will be a:
○ Qualified electrical journeyperson,
○ or a Line Truck Operator,
○ or an apprentice Power Line Technician
(PLT) with Level 2 Industry Training
Authority (ITA) approved Apprentice
Power Line Technician (APLT) technical
training who is acceptable to the Crew
Lead.
2 The following tasks require a minimum of three
qualified electrical journeypersons on site.
a Work on 138 kV to 500 kV energized
conductor or equipment where work will be
performed closer than the Column 2 Limit,
but no closer than Column 1 Limit.
○ This work is permitted only for planned
short duration tasks.
○ Work on 138 kV to 500 kV energized
conductor or equipment involving
fewer than three qualified electrical
journeypersons is permitted only when
an approved work procedure is being
used.
196 800 Safe Crew Complement
800
Rule 802
○ BC Hydro procedures for this purpose
must be signed off by the Senior Vice-
President, Safety.
b All rubber glove line work from 4 kV to
25 kV. The three qualified electrical
journeypersons must be trained in rubber
glove procedures.
○ Two of the qualified electrical
journeypersons shall perform the work
from an approved insulated aerial lift
equipped with approved bucket liners.
○ The third qualified electrical
journeyperson shall be confined to
observing and other ground-related
duties at the job site directly associated
with the work in the aerial lift.
3 When three qualified electrical journeypersons
are needed to perform a task on the same pole
or structure using aerial lift equipment, either of
the following arrangements shall be used,
provided it does not impede rescue procedures:
○ Two qualified electrical journeypersons in the
aerial lift bucket and one qualified electrical
journeyperson on the pole, structure or
second aerial lift bucket.
800 Safe Crew Complement 197
800
Rule 804
○ or Two qualified electrical journeypersons
on the pole or structure and one qualified
electrical journeyperson in the aerial lift
bucket.
4 A crew complement of 3, including the crane
operator, is the minimum acceptable for
movement of gates and stoplogs by grappling
beam.
804 Supervision–work requiring direct and continuous supervision
When the following tasks are performed by
workers other than qualified electrical
journeypersons, they must be performed under the
direct and continuous supervision of a qualified
electrical journeyperson:
a The use of tower ladders for work on metal
transmission and station structures.
b The use of metal ladders in designated Extra
High Voltage (EHV) Station areas.
c Unqualified workers or their equipment
working closer than Column 4 Limit, but no
closer than Column 3 Limit.
d The erection of or dismantling of metal
scaffolding in a station closer than Column 4
198 800 Safe Crew Complement
800
Rule 805
Limit to energized conductors or electrical
equipment.
805 Safety watcher–work requiring a dedicated safety watcher
1 If the worker in charge of the job considers the
work or the location to be hazardous, he or she
shall appoint a qualified worker to perform the
job of safety watcher.
The safety watcher must:
○ Be knowledgeable of the task (or work to be
performed) and the hazards involved.
○ And give full attention to this duty from a
position outside of the immediate work area
and in sight line of the actual work so that
emerging hazards can be quickly identified
and effectively communicated.
2 The worker in charge shall properly identify
safety watcher(s) to all workers on the job.
3 A safety watcher has the authority and duty to
immediately stop any work that he or she
considers hazardous.
4 The following tasks require a qualified electrical
journeyperson to perform the job of safety
watcher.
800 Safe Crew Complement 199
800
Rule 805
a Driving vehicles or equipment underneath
exposed energized electrical conductors or
overhead equipment closer than the Column
3 Limit as permitted by rule 401.2.
b Moving metal scaffolding in a station near
energized conductors or electrical
equipment.
c Using a jack hammer to cut windows into a
vault or manhole that contains energized
high voltage cables.
d Breaking the concrete encasing surrounding
a duct bank that contains high voltage
cables.
e Work on 138 kV to 500 kV energized
conductor or equipment where work will be
performed closer than the Column 2 Limit,
but no closer than Column 1 Limit.
f Barehand work. The safety watcher shall be
qualified in barehand work methods.
Appendices 201
Ap
px
Appendices A
Appendices
A: Strength of slings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
B: Hand signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
C: Tag out–forms and tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .208
D: PSSP categories and authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
E: Lockout–forms and tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .217
F: WPP categories and authorizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
G: Index of OSH Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
202 Appendices
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Appendices A
A: Strength of slings
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w rof rotcaf ngised 1:5 a no desab era s'L
LW
.2-nolyn a srekro
w gnitroppus ro gnitropsnart fo snaem a sa desu si gniggir neh
w 1:01 ot desaercni eb tsum rotcaf ngised eh
T .epor nolynt
.noitavele dna boj eht no gnidneped deilppa eb ya
m srotcaf ngised rehgiH .noitidnoc doog ni sgnils epor rof era
woleb nevig serugif ehT
.3eht
.epor eht fo noitidnoc.leets
wolp devorpmi 73 x 6 si "1 dnoyeb dna leets
wolp devorpmi 91 x 6 si rete
maid "1 ot pu epor eriw eh
T.4
Appendices 203
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Appendices B
B: Hand signals
Hand signals for line work
Hand closed,
thumb up.
Take up
Pull up wire Stop Slack back signal
Cut loose signalAll off signal
These signals are to be used only when the signalperson is within
50 feet of the truck operator.
Hand closed,
thumb down.
Lower
Hand open.
Stop
208 Appendices
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Appendices C
C: Tag out–forms and tags
Tag out–Safety Protection Form–Duplicate copy
form used by the Operating Authority, with a copy
for the receiver.
Issued by: Auth.: Time: Date:SIGNATURE
Received by: Time: Date:SIGNATURE
Returned by: Time: Date:SIGNATURE
Returned to: Time: Date:
Worker Protection Grounding/Bondingand/or Blocking Clear? ❏ Yes ❏ No Ready for Service? ❏ Yes ❏ No
Issued to: No.:Station or circuit: (Print name)
❏ Clearance ❏ Guarantee of Isolation❏ Test and Work ❏ Transfer Operating Authority
For work on:
Purpose:
Isolation points:
Protection extended to Time Date Returned by Time Date
1. ❏
2. ❏
3. ❏
4. ❏
5. ❏
6. ❏
10138-Nov15
Other Permit No’s withcommon isolating pts.
Worker Protection Grounding/
Bonding and/or Blocking Clear?
008358
Safety Protection Form
10138-Nov15
Appendices 209
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Appendices C
Tag out–Safety Protection Record Form–
Single copy form used by the receiver.
10131-1-Nov15
ISSUED BY: AUTH.: TIME: DATE:
SIGNATURE
RECEIVED BY: TIME: DATE: SIGNATURE
RETURNED BY: TIME: DATE: SIGNATURE
RETURNED TO: TIME: DATE:
STATION OR CIRCUIT: ISSUED TO: (PRINT NAME)
NO:
SAFETY PROTECTION RECORD FORM □CLEARANCE □GUARANTEE OF ISOLATION
□TEST AND WORK □TRANSFER OPERATING AUTHORITY
FOR WORK ON:
PURPOSE:
ISOLATION POINTS:
WORKER PROTECTION GROUNDING/BONDING
AND/OR BLOCKING CLEAR? □YES □NO READY FOR SERVICE? □YES □NO
PROTECTION EXTENDED TO TIME DATE RETURNED BY TIME DATE
1. □2. □3. □4. □5. □6. □
WORKERPROTECTION
GROUNDING/BONDING AND/OR BLOCKING CLEAR?
10131-1-Nov15
210 Appendices
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Appendices C
Tag out–Safety Protection Card–
Form used by the Operating Authority in control
rooms.
Station or circuit: Issued to:(PRINT NAME)
Safety Protection Card❑ Clearance ❑ Guarantee of Isolation❑ Test and Work ❑ Transfer Operatiing Authority
For work on:
Purpose:
Isolation points:
❑ See reverse sideOther Permit No’s with common isolating pts.
Issued by: Time: Date:
Returned by: Time: Date:
Returned to: Time: Date:
Worker Protection Grounding/Bondingand/or Blocking Clear? ❑ Yes ❑ No
10139-Mar16
No: 204600
Ready for Service?❑ Yes ❑ No
Station Risers Installed?❑ Yes ❑ No
Phasing Req?❑ Yes ❑ No
10139 safety prot card_Mar2016
Appendices 211
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Appendices C
Tag out–Switching Order Form–Duplicate copy
form used by the Operating Authority, with a copy
for the receiver.
Switching Order
Issued To
Issued By
Purpose
Date
Time
Receiving Location
No. PIC INSTRUCTIONS NOTES
Completed By
No. No.(When Issuing) (When Issuing)
(Signature)
Time
10114-Jan16
337841
10114 Switching Order-Jan16
212 Appendices
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Appendices C
Tag out–Customer Isolation Form
CUSTOMER REPRESENTATIVE
Print Name: Company:
Work Location: Phone:
Isolation Point:
ISOLATION
Isolated by BC Hydro Representative:
Signature: Time: Date:
Acknowleged by Customer Representative:
Signature: Time: Date:
BC Hydro Representative:
Print Name: Phone:
Email:
RECONNECTION
I confirm that all workers are clear, customer Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding has been removed and the equipment is ready to be energized.
Confirmed by Customer Representative:
Signature: Time: Date:
Energized by BC Hydro Representative:
Signature: Time: Date:
CUSTOMER ISOLATION FORMThis isolation from the BC Hydro Electrical System is done at the request of the customer.
The Customer’s Representative understands that the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation governs any work performed by the customer and it is the customer’s responsibility to test for voltage and apply Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding.
This service will not be reconnected without the original customer representative on site to confirm to BC Hydro that the grounds are removed and service is ready to be energized.
The customer’s electrical system is isolated from BC Hydro’s electrical system and tagged “Customer Isolation”.
10147-Nov15
THIS FORM TO BE RETURNED TO BC HYDRO IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO RECONNECTION.
10147-Nov15
Appendices 213
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Appendices C
Tag out–Tags ordering information
Type of tag
BC Hydro form number
10cm x 20cm board
8cm x 15cm 5cm x 10cm1.5cm x 6.5cm
Clearance 10207 10206 10213
Test & Work Permit 10205 10204 10212
Self Protection 10209 10208 10188
Customer Isolation
10209-1
Guarantee of Isolation
10196 10195 10199
Guarantee of No Reclose
10259
Grounded 10221
Reclose Off 10239 10238 10237 10241
Live Line Permit 10228
Assurance of No Reclose Permit
10256
Caution 10201-1 10201 10210 10222
Grounding/ Blocking Protection
10261 10262 10263
Line Cut 10253
214 Appendices
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Appendices C
Tag out–Tags
5 cm x 10 cm Tags
8 cm x 15 cm Tags
10 cm x 20 cm Boards
10204 10205
10208 10209
10209-1
10195 10196 10199
10237 10238 10239
10201 10201-1 10210
10261 10262
10206 10207R
ECLO
SE O
FF
REMARKS:
DESTROY AFTER USE
DO NOTOPERATE
TEST AND WORK PERMIT
DO NOTOPERATE
SELF PROTECTIONNAME
DO NOTOPERATE
CUSTOMER ISOLATION
CA
UTI
ON
REMARKS:
DESTROY AFTER USE
CLEARANCE
DO NOTOPERATE
10206-Sept15
DO NOTOPERATE
Guarantee of Isolation
10195-Sept15
DO NOTOPERATE
GROUNDING / BLOCKING PROTECTION
NAME
10209-Nov15
10226-Mar16
10237
Appendices 215
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Appendices C
1.5 cm x 6.5 cm Tags
GROUNDED10221-Nov15
D.N.O. GROUNDING / BLOCKING PROTECTION
NAME
10263-Sep15
RECLOSE OFF10241
LIVE LINE PERMIT10228-Feb17
ASSURANCE OFNO RECLOSE PERMIT
10256-Mar16
CAUTION10222
GUARANTEE OFNO RECLOSE
10259-Mar16
DO NOT OPERATECLEARANCE
10213-Sept15
10212-Sept15DO NOT OPERATE
TEST AND WORK PERMIT
DO NOT OPERATE SELF PROTECTION
10188-Sept15
NAME
DO NOT OPERATEGUARANTEE OF ISOLATION
10199-Sept15
LINE CUT10253-Sept16
216 Appendices
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Appendices D
D: PSSP categories and authorizations
Note: To perform switching of level 1 to 4
equipment on the power system requires separate
training and authorization , in addition to category 5
or 6.
Category Authorizations
1
1A. Customer below 60 kV without customer infeeds.
1B. Customer with 60 kV and above or customer connections
below 60 kV with customer infeeds.
2 Access the Power System.
3Work on the Power System.
Receive Protection Extension.
4 Certified Utility Arborist.
5Receive Safety Protection Guarantees and Live Line Permits.
Apply Self Protection.
6 PIC: Issue Safety Protection Guarantees and Live Line Permits
Appendices 217
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Appendices E
E: Lockout–forms and tags
Attention Tag
ATTENTION
Applied by:
Date:
SEE OTHER SIDE
Device designation:
ATTENTION
LG02-20-Nov15
Reason:
218 Appendices
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Appendices E
Lockout–forms and tags
Danger-Do Not Operate Tag–For Non-Integrated
Area isolating devices that are not lockable
Appendices 219
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Appendices E
Lockout: Personal Lockout Sheet
Personal Lockout Sheet
P.L.O. Sheet #:
Switching Order #:
Page: of
For work on:
Purpose:
No. Device designation Verified byDevice description
Workers and equipment clear? Yes No Equipment ready for service? Yes No
LG02-17-Jul16
Device status Switched by
Note: Shaded area to be completed when WPP Switching Order has not been issued.
* - Indicates an isolation point which could not be verified
*
Switching completed by: Signature: Date: Time:
Prepared by: Signature: Date: Time:
Returned by: Signature: Date: Time:
LG02-17-Jul16
220 Appendices
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Appendices E
Lockout: Switching Order
LG02-18-Jul16
Switching OrderSwitching Order #:
Switching Lock Set #:
Purpose:
No.Device
designation Verified byDevice description
Issued to:
LG02-18-Jul16
Action Switched by
Page: of
Prepared by: Signature: Date: Time:
Checked by: Signature: Date: Time:
Issued by: Signature: Date: Time:
Switching completed by: Signature: Date: Time:
Appendices 221
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Appendices E
Lockout: Group Lockout Sheet
LG02-13-Jul16
Group Lockout Sheet
G.L.O Sheet #:
Switching Order #:
Page of
No. Device designation Visual checked by *
Returned by:
Workers and equipment clear? Yes No Equipment ready for service?
Device description
Switching completed by:
Visually checked by: Signature: Date: Time:
Seal applied by:
LG02-13-Jul16
Device status
Switching Lock Set #:
Visual Check Lock Set #:
Signature: Date: Time:
Signature: Date: Time:
Yes No
Signature: Date: Time:
* – Indicates an isolation point which could not be verified
Key box seal #
For work on:
Purpose:
222 Appendices
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Appendices E
Lockout: Group Lockout Modification
LG02-12-Jul16
Group Lockout Modification
Reason for modification:
Isolating Devices Removed From Lockout Sheet
No. Device designation Device descriptionVisual Check lock
removed by
Visual check locks removed by: Signature: Date: Time:
Isolating Devices Added to Lockout Sheet
Switching completed by: Signature: Date: Time:
Devices added visually checked by: Signature: Date: Time:
Seal applied by: Signature: Date: Time:
No. Device designation Device description Visually checked by
LG02-12-Jul16
Device status
G.L.O. Sheet #:
Modification #: 1 2 3
Visual Check Lock Set #:
For Work On:
Switching Order #:
Switching Lock Set #:
Page:
*
Key box seal #
* – Indicates an isolation point which could not be verified
Appendices 223
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Appendices E
Lockout: Lock Removal
LG02-16-Jul16
Lock Removal Form Date:
Signature of Facility Manager:
Signature of worker: Date:
LG02-16-Jul16
Note: Every reasonable effort must be made to contact worker and have them come in and remove their own personal lock.Comments:
Personal lock registered to:Personal lock number:
Name of Facility Manager:Lock Location:
Area Manager (or delegate) contacted: Time contacted:
Note: Worker must be informed immediately upon return to work that his/her personal lock has been removed.
Note: Entire work area must be thoroughly inspected to ensure all workers and work equipment clear and machinery ready for service.Comments:
Time lock removed:
Work area inspected by:
Lock removed by:
224 Appendices
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Appendices E
LG02-15-Jul16
Isolation Request Form Work Order #:
Originator:
Approved:
LG02-15-Jul16
Type of Isolation: Personal lockout Group lockout
Grounding and blocking required:
Work to be done:
Special isolation required:
Date of request: Time of request:
Date required: Time required:
Equipment to be isolated:
Lockout: Isolation Request
Appendices 225
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Appendices E
LG02-14-Jul16
Test Notification
LG02-14-Jul16
Nature of test:
Isolating devices requiring additional personal locks:
Test notification prepared by:(Test Coordinator)
Date: Time:
Group Lockout Sheet #:
All workers informed of test conditions
Test notification cancelled by:(Test Coordinator)
Date: Time:
Test performed by:
Lockout: Test Notification
226 Appendices
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Appendices E
Testing in progress.Do not lock on without
permission from thetest coordinator
Test Coordinator
LG02-54-Aug16To laminate
Lockout: Testing in progress
LG02-54 TestinginProgress
Appendices 227
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Appendices F
F: WPP categories and authorizations
Note: To perform switching of equipment on the
one-line diagram requires separate training and
authorization, in addition to category C or D.
Category Authorizations
A Access a generating station or associated facility.
B
Place a personal lock and work under WPP.
Act as Host
Test Leader
C
Prepare Personal Lockout for equipment not identified on the
operating one-line diagram.
Visually check Group Lockout.
Coordinate testing under a Group Lockout.
D Perform PIC duties at Integrated Generating Facilities.
D–NI Perform PIC duties in Non-Integrated Areas.
228 Appendices
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Appendices G
G: Index of OSH Standards
This appendix lists the BC Hydro Occupational
Safety and Health (OSH) Standards that are
currently available in SafeHub.
100 Safety Administration
OSH 100 Safety Management System
OSH 101 Safety Roles and Responsibilities (By
Topic)
OSH 102 Safety Roles and Responsibilities (By Job
Title)
OSH 103 Safety Management System Planning
Schedule
OSH 110 Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment
OSH 111 Annual Safety Planning
OSH 112 Worksite Inspections with OSH Regulators
OSH 120 Training
OSH 121 Workplace Inspections
OSH 122 Job Planning
OSH 123 Joint Health and Safety Committees
OSH 130 Safety Incident Management and
Investigation
Appendices 229
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Appendices G
OSH 131 Safety of Contractors
OSH 132 Safety Audit Process
OSH 133 Business Group Safety Program Self-
Evaluation
OSH 140 Management Review
200 Safety Engineering
OSH 201 Worker Qualifications for Limits of
Approach Authorization
OSH 203 Welding, Cutting and Hot Tapping
OSH 204 Personal Lockout
OSH 206 Worker Protection Grounding/Bonding
OSH 208 Chainsaws and Portable Power Tools
OSH 209 Isolation of Mechanical Apparatus
OSH 210 Rigging Components
OSH 212 Safety Handling of Oils, Liquids, and
Compressed Gases
OSH 214 Electrical Measuring Instruments
OSH 216 Underwater Diving at BC Hydro Facilities
OSH 217 Work Near Interprovincial and
International Pipelines
230 Appendices
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Appendices G
300 Occupational Hygiene
OSH 301 WHMIS 2015 and Hazardous Materials
OSH 302 Safety During Spill Response
OSH 303 Confined Spaces
OSH 304 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
OSH 305 Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)
OSH 306 Asbestos Management
OSH 307 Drinking Water
OSH 308 Video Display Terminal Workstations
Ergonomics
OSH 309 Hearing Conservation
OSH 310 Selection and Use of Solvents
OSH 311 Mercury
OSH 312 Medical Monitoring
OSH 313 Respiratory Protection
OSH 314 Lead Abatement
OSH 315 Bloodborne Pathogens
OSH 316 Field Ergonomics
OSH 317 Battery Safety
OSH 318 Crystalline Silica
Appendices 231
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Appendices G
400 Transportation Safety
OSH 401 Motor Vehicle Safety
OSH 404 Transportation of Dangerous Goods
OSH 405 Aerial Lifting Devices
OSH 407 Helicopter and Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Safety
OSH 408 Operation of Boats
500 Fire and Emergency Preparedness
OSH 501 Fire and Safety Plans for Buildings
OSH 502 First Aid
OSH 503 Earthquakes–Evaluation of Non-
Structural Hazards in the Workplace
OSH 504 Post-Earthquake Building Safety Rapid
Evaluation Program
OSH 505 Fire Protection Program
OSH 508 Emergency Kits and Winter Survival
OSH 509 Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
600 Safety Equipment
OSH 601 Personal Protective Equipment
OSH 602 Insulated Tools, Equipment and Rubber
Gloves
232 Appendices
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Appendices G
OSH 603 Work Area Barriers
OSH 604 Emergency Showers and Eyewash
Stations
OSH 608 Fall Protection
OSH 609 Ladders
700 Public Safety
OSH 701 Public Safety
OSH 706 WorkSafeBC Form 30M33 Assurance in
Writing
800 Other Safety Topics
OSH 801 Employees Working Alone
OSH 802 Protection of Workers from Violence
OSH 803 Working Safely in Wildlife Habitat
OSH 804 Personal Injury Insurance for External
Parties (including Volunteers) Working
for BC Hydro
OSH 805 Safety and Health for Travel Outside
Canada
OSH 806 Safety Orientation and Training for New/
YoungWorkers
OSH 807 Prohibition of Smoking In the Workplace
234 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Glossary
COMMON DEFINITIONS
The definitions in this section of the glossary apply
to all of the Safety Practice Regulations. Terms that
apply only to Section 700, Lockout, are listed in the
next section of this glossary.
Aerial lift:
Equipment (such as extending towers , boom-
mounted buckets, cages, or baskets, and truck-
mounted ladders) primarily designed to place
workers and their materials and tools in a position
to work on elevated structures and equipment. An
insulated aerial lift has sections of the lifting booms
fabricated of fiberglass-reinforced plastic materials
specifically constructed and tested to provide
electrical isolation of the basket and boom tip from
ground or energized electrical conductors and
equipment.
Note: A bucket shall not be considered an
insulating device.
Approved:
Having approval of the Senior Vice-President,
Safety.
Glossary–Common Definitions 235
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Glossary–Common Definitions
Authorized:
Having been approved for specific access to or
work on the power system or associated
equipment by an authorized manager , identified in a
local operating order, in accordance with PSSP or
WPP.
Blocking:
Physically securing mechanical equipment against
inadvertent movement, or maintaining a physical
opening in the case of electrical installations.
Bond:
A lead, associated with Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding, used to achieve equipotential
conditions between phases, across an opening of a
conductor, or around a worker. The lead size is
defined in OSH Standard 206.
Conductor:
Wire, cable, bus, or other conductive component
installed for the purpose of conveying electrical
current from one piece of equipment to another or
to ground. See also “line.”
236 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Construction project:
A line, station, or other type of plant being
constructed or reconstructed, or equipment being
installed, reinstalled, or removed.
Customer infeed:
Any customer-owned power supply that is not
equipped with a CSA approved transfer switch or
with CSA approved key interlock switches that are
designed to ensure that the supply cannot feed into
the power system.
De-energized:
The normal source(s) of hazardous energy have
been removed.
Direct and continuous supervision:
”Direct and continuous supervision” and
“continuously directed” are both defined as being
within direct sight and being able to hear the verbal
communication of the supervising qualified worker
at all times.
The qualified electrical journeyperson performing
this role need to be continuously supervising the
work perform for the full duration of the task to
ensure that:
Glossary–Common Definitions 237
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Glossary–Common Definitions
○ The work is conducted safely and in the
prescribed manner;
○ Effective communication is in place to
intervene in a timely and effective manner if
needed; and,
○ A viable rescue can be performed for all high
hazard work if and when needed.
Drainer:
A conductor used for the purpose of reducing a
residual charge or induced static charge from a
piece of equipment: it is not a substitute for a
ground, nor is it necessarily capable of carrying
available fault current.
Duct bank:
A structure that consists of conduits (ducts)
encased in concrete, which is used for routing
buried power cables.
Electrical worker:
WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation Electrical Safety Part 19–Definitions–
means a person who meets the requirements of the
Electrical Safety Regulation for installing, altering or
maintaining electrical equipment.
238 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Employer:
A person having in their service a person engaged
in work in or about an industry (under a contract of
hiring or apprenticeship, written or oral, express or
implied).
Energized:
See “Hazardous Energy.”
Equipment:
1 Electrical or mechanical machinery and
equipment that is part of the generation ,
transmission, or distribution system. Electrical
equipment includes electrical cables, machines ,
fuses, switches, bus bars, transformers, etc.
Mechanical equipment includes machinery that
can be placed in motion, in whole or in part, by
automatic, remote, or direct means. It also
refers to:
○ pipes, conduits, tanks, or pressure units that
act as conductors of steam, volatile liquid,
oil, or gas, including compressed air or water
○ large storage tanks or other sealable areas
2 Items such as vehicles and tools used by
workers to perform their jobs.
Glossary–Common Definitions 239
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Glossary–Common Definitions
Floating:
Isolated and ungrounded. This term also applies to
a cable conductor that has been isolated and
grounded to discharge potential and then has all
grounds removed.
Grounded:
Electrical equipment on the Power System that has
been isolated and worker protection grounding/
bonding applied
Guarantee of isolation (GOI):
A means of effecting guaranteed isolation between
different Operating Authorities.
Guarantee of no reclose:
A stated and duly logged guarantee between the
PICs of different Operating Authorities that a
specified conductor or equipment shall not be
reclosed manually or automatically until the PIC
who has received the guarantee authorizes
reclosing.
Hazardous energy:
Any electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic,
chemical, or thermal energy, or force such as
gravity that could potentially harm workers.
240 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Hazardous induction:
Hazardous induction is an induced voltage on
equipment or a conductor that could produce a
fatal outcome if a worker were to get in series with
this voltage.
High hazard work (also known as hazardous work):
Work is considered high hazard (or hazardous) if
the uncontrolled release of hazardous energy
associated with the work being performed has the
potential to cause death or permanent disability.
High voltage:
An alternating or direct current potential of 751
volts or more between conductors or between
conductors and ground.
Isolated:
For electrical equipment, the normal sources of
hazardous energy have been disconnected by
opening and securing all associated switches or by
making a line or bus cut. For mechanical
equipment, the equipment has been rendered and
secured non-operative by installing a blank in a
pipe line, closing a valve, depressurizing, draining,
venting, or other effective means.
Glossary–Common Definitions 241
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Glossary–Common Definitions
Isolating device:
A device that physically prevents the transmission
or release of hazardous energy to equipment, such
as a switch, line or bus cut, fuse, or valve.
Line:
An electrical conductor in the transmission and
distribution systems.
Live:
Synonym for “energized.” See “Hazardous Energy.”
Live line:
Related to work on energized, high-voltage
electrical conductors or equipment. Used in such
phrases as “live line tools,” “live line methods,” and
“live line work.”
Live line pole–setting:
Pole setting is considered live line pole setting
whenever:
1 Poles are set closer than Column 4 Limits of
Approach, or
2 When additional precautions are necessary to
control the movement of the pole at Column 4
LOA, or beyond (i.e. Setting between phases on
transmission voltages).
242 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Low voltage:
An alternating or direct current potential less than
751 volts between conductors or between
conductors and ground.
Mimic display:
A representation of the configuration and status of
an assigned portion of the power system, complete
with device designations.
On-site:
A worker is “On Site” if they are assigned to the job
and have both a means of direct communication
with the workers assigned to the job, and are
physically able to respond to their assigned tasks
within the site including performing viable rescue.
Operating authority:
The right to control, as delegated by the hierarchical
control arrangement, an assigned portion of the
power system to: establish the conditions required
for Safety Protection Guarantees, Live Line Permits
and Assurance of No Reclose Permits; to issue such
Guarantees and Permits; and to establish work
protection.
Glossary–Common Definitions 243
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Glossary–Common Definitions
Operating one-line diagram:
An electrical schematic diagram that displays
high-voltage equipment and displays or lists the
isolating devices for primary sources of energy.
Operating responsibility:
The responsibility for the operation and reliability of
an assigned portion of the power system, as
delegated by the hierarchical control arrangement
PlC (person in charge):
The worker who has been assigned both Operating
Responsibility and Operating Authority for a portion
of the power system. On a construction project,
this worker is referred to as the Project Controller
(refer to rule 503).
Power system:
All generating stations, high-voltage circuits,
substations, transformers, reactive equipment,
distribution circuits, and other equipment used in
the production, transmission, and distribution of
electrical energy. The power system can include
equipment under construction.
Power System Safety Protection (PSSP):
The constraints that must be applied to the power
system (excluding generating stations) to provide
244 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
worker protection from power system hazards
during prescribed work. See also Work Protection
Practices.
Qualified:
Accepted as satisfactory in reference to experience,
training, education, personal competency, physical
ability, and familiarity with rules, procedures,
equipment, and dangers involved in the work and/
or operation.
Qualified electrical journeyperson (worker):
See OSH Standard 201 (4.1) for full context–Only
experienced electrical utility trades or technical
workers who have achieved and maintained their
qualifications may be designated as Qualified
Electrical Workers. OSH Standard 201 covers
Safety Watchers, Apprentices in further detail.
Qualified person (confined space):
Section 9.11(1) of the WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation
requires a hazard assessment and written confined
space entry procedures be prepared by a “qualified
person who has adequate training and experience
in the recognition, evaluation and control of
confined space hazards” Section 9.11(2) of the
Regulation states “For the purposes of subsection
(1)(a) qualifications which are acceptable as
Glossary–Common Definitions 245
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Glossary–Common Definitions
evidence of adequate training and experience
include (a) certified industrial hygienist (CIH) or
registered occupational hygienist (ROH) with
experience in confined space entry, (b) certified
safety professional (CSP), Canadian registered
safety professional (CRSP) or professional engineer
(P. Eng.), provided that the holders of these
qualifications have experience in the practice of
occupational hygiene as it relates to confined space
entry, or (c) other combination of education, training
and experience acceptable to the Board.”
Safe crew complement/crew complement:
The required crew size and associated qualifications
needed to do the work safely and effectively. The
crew complement must cater for:
○ Tasks requiring a dedicated Safety Watcher;
○ Tasks requiring direct and continuous
supervision by a Qualified Electrical
Journeyperson; and,
○ Coordinating tasks involving two or more
qualified electrical journeypersons.
246 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Safe crew complement principle #1:
There shall be enough qualified workers on site to safely perform the assigned work. This means that
there are enough qualified workers to physically do
work in the work zone e.g. two qualified PLTs in a
bucket for live line work; work on CT circuit
requires a qualified CPC Technologist and qualified
Electrician. Assigned work includes both Planned
and Trouble responses. QUALIFIED: BC Hydro
Safety Practice Regulations: Accepted as
satisfactory in reference to experience, training,
education, personal competency, physical ability,
and familiarity with rules, procedures, equipment,
and dangers involved in the work and/or operation.
Safe crew complement principle #2:
Workers shall only be assigned to, and carry out work they are qualified and authorized to perform. This means for example that only
authorized (PSSP Cat 5) Journeyman PLT’s are
assigned to do work on exposed, energized
conductors or equipment and are not relying on
someone else on the crew to be competent.
Apprentices are not deemed to be a qualified
worker for the purpose of crew complement.
Glossary–Common Definitions 247
Glo
s
Glossary–Common Definitions
Safe crew complement principle #3:
Viable rescue will be in place for all high hazard work. Consistent with WorkSafeBC Regulation,
viable rescue is defined as the safe extraction of the
injured worker from immediate hazards, the
administration of first aid, and the transport to a
suitable medical facility without incurring a delay
that would diminish the injured workers chance for
recovery. Safe extraction requires the rescuer to be
qualified such that they are able to evaluate on-site
hazards to prevent others (and themselves) from
becoming additional victims. Prompt transport to a
suitable medical facility:
○ Either on site or sufficiently close so as to
be able to perform a timely rescue (as per
WorkSafeBC Regulations); e.g. the rescuer
must be:
○ A qualified electrical journeyperson,
apprentice PLT or pre-apprentice B PLT for
pole top rescue,
○ A qualified electrical journeyperson,
apprentice, pre-apprentice B PLT, Line Truck
Operator or NIA employees for bucket
rescue.
248 Glossary–Common Definitions
Glos
Glossary–Common Definitions
Viable rescue requires one worker who is outside
the immediate work zone, and is qualified and
competent to perform the rescue.
Note: This doesn’t always mean that crew
members will be added; i.e. a cable crew where
the surface crew member can perform this
function while performing other support duties
on site, but outside the immediate work zone.
Safety protection guarantee:
An assurance that conductors, electrical equipment,
or mechanical equipment on the Distribution and
Transmission power system are isolated and will
remain isolated. The three types of Safety
Protection Guarantee are Clearances (including
Protection Extensions), Test and Work Permits, and
Self-Protections.
Safety watcher:
A member of the crew who is solely committed to
the task of a safety watcher for the duration of the
work which requires this role to be performed.
Secured:
An isolating device is said to be secured when it is
held in position by an approved lock or tag.
Glossary–Common Definitions 249
Glo
s
Glossary–Common Definitions
Supervisor:
A worker who instructs, directs, or controls workers
in the safe performance of their duties, regardless
of title or classification (for example, subforeman/
woman, chief operator/area dispatcher, supervisor,
or manager).
Verification:
A check or test to ensure that a hazardous energy
source has been isolated.
Viable rescue:
Viable rescue requires the second worker on site be
qualified in and equipped to perform the applicable
rescue method, including the ability to assess
workplace hazards that could pose a risk to
rescuers. This worker can attend to various duties
at the work site provided they stay out of potential
immediate harm presented by work area hazards
and they remain on site and in direct
communication with the other worker(s).
Visual check:
A confirmation by an authorized worker that the
correct isolating device has been switched to the
required position and is properly secured.
250 Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions
Glos
Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions
Work Protection Practices (WPP):
The rules and procedures that govern how
equipment is isolated from potentially hazardous
sources of energy and made safe to work on in, all
generating stations, NIA substations, and their
associated facilities.
Work zone:
Being out of the work zone is being at a location
where the “rescue worker” would not have their
health and welfare adversely affected by the
uncontrolled release of energy originating from
within the work zone.
WPP LOCKOUT DEFINITIONS
The terms and definitions in this section of the
Glossary apply specifically to the lockout procedures
where WPP is applied as described in Section 700.
Dissipating:
Reducing hazardous energy to a level that is
required by regulation or is otherwise safe for
humans, including measures such as releasing
pneumatic, gas, or hydraulic pressure; releasing
spring energy; and applying Worker Protection
Grounding/Bonding or Blocking.
Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions 251
Glo
s
Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions
Group locks:
A set of similarly-keyed locks applied for worker
protection, the key for which is placed in a key box.
Group lockout:
A form of work protection in which two workers
independently lock out all isolating devices, the keys
to those locks are placed in a key box, and each
worker working under that Group Lockout applies
his or her personal lock to the key box to ensure the
equipment remains in a protected state.
Host:
A worker authorized to place a personal lock, where
WPP is applied, who maintains direct and
continuous supervision of a visitor accessing
protected equipment.
Isolation schematic:
A diagram that schematically displays all isolating
devices associated with a generating unit. Isolation
schematics are used as an aid for determining the
isolation, grounding, and blocking required for work
safety.
252 Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions
Glos
Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions
Personal lock:
A lock, or set of similarly-keyed locks, applied for
worker protection, the key for which is retained by
the worker.
Personal lockout:
A form of work protection in which each worker
places a personal lock on each device to ensure the
equipment remains in a protected state.
Protected:
Equipment is said to be in a protected state when
all sources of hazardous energy applicable to the
work to be done have been isolated, grounded and/
or blocked, and locked out.
Switching reference:
A previously prepared and checked Switching
Order or an approved list of switching steps.
Test coordinator:
The worker who is responsible for the co-
ordination and overall safety of test activities under
a Group Lockout.
Test leader:
The worker who is responsible for overseeing a
specific test procedure under a Group Lockout, to
Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions 253
Glo
s
Glossary–WPP Lockout Definitions
ensure sources of test energy do not create a
hazard to other workers, to take charge of barriers
and signs, and to inform the test coordinator when
the test is completed.
Visitor:
A person who requires access to protected
equipment and is not authorized to place personal
locks at a facility without the direction of a Host.
Visitor lock:
A personal lock placed by a visitor.
Work leader:
A person, regardless of title or classifi cation, who is
authorized to perform one or more of the following
roles during a Group Lockout:
○ Advise the PIC of job isolation requirements
and any changes to these requirements
○ Ensure isolation is appropriate for the work
to be done
○ Hold documented tailboards
○ Arrange for a Test Coordinator
○ Ensure workers and equipment are clear at
the end of the job and returns the Lockout
Sheet to the PIC.
254 Acronyms
Acr
Acr
Acronyms
Acronyms
AC Alternating current
CAT Category
CSA Canadian Standards Association
CT Current transformer
DC Direct current
EHV Extra high voltage
FVO Fraser Valley Office
FYI For your information
GLO Group lockout
GOI Guarantee of isolation
LTO Line truck operator
NIA Non-integrated areas
OSH Occupational Safety and Health
PIC Person in charge
PLO Personal lockout
PLT Power line technician
PSSP Power System Safety Protection
SF6 Sulphur hexafluoride
SIO Southern Interior Office
Acronyms 255
Acr
Acr
Acronyms
SOO System operating order
SPC Safety Practices Committee
SPG Safety Practice Guarantee
SPR Safety Practices Regulations
T&W Test and work
TTI Trades training instructor
UD Underground distribution
VT Voltage transformer
WLL Working load limit
WPP Worker protection practices
256 Index
Index
Index
Index
Accidents:
see Incidents
Aerial lifts:
411, 412, 415.2, 416.1, 516.5, 801, 803, Glossary
Apparatus:
see Equipment
Arborist, Certified Utility:
405
Assurance of no reclose permit:
405.3, 424, 614.5, 614.7
Attention tag:
708.4, 709.3, 710.2, 714.1, 715.1, 722.5, 726,
Appendix E
Auxiliary equipment:
507, 708.5
Barehand work:
412, 415.2, 419, 805.4
Index 257
Ind
ex
Index
Barriers:
109, 401, 412.5, 418.1, 518.2, 604.4, 611.1, 701.10,
713.6, 722.6, 801.4
Batteries and battery rooms:
408, 801.3, 802
Belts, safety rope:
305.2, 402.5, 402.6
Blasting:
117
Blocking:
307.3, 504, 511.3, 514.8, 518, 602.3, 603.1, 604,
605, 606, 608, 611, 612, 614, 701, 702, 708, 709,
710, 713, 716, 717, 721, 722, 723, Glossary
Bond/bonding:
405.2, 409.3, 412.5, 420, 504.1, 511.3, 512,
514, 515, 516, 517.2, 602.3, 603, 604, 605, 606,
608, 610, 611, 612, 614, 701, 702, 708, 709, 710,
713, 716, 717, 721, 722, 723.2, 801.4, 802.4,
Glossary
Boom equipment:
401, 409, 411, 412, 516.5, Glossary
258 Index
Index
Index
Buoyancy equipment:
306
Bus cut:
511.2, 702.4, 706.4
Cancelling self protection:
608.2
Cables:
410, 512.2, 516.7, 517, 802.4, 805.4
Capacitors, isolation of:
512.2, 515
Caution tags:
614.2, Appendix C
Certified Utility Arborist:
405
Chainsaws:
801.1
Circuit breaker:
501.3, 509, 511.2, 516.2, 603.7, 603.10, 605.1,
605.9
Index 259
Ind
ex
Index
Clearance:
405.4, 419.3, 504.1, 602 to 604, 605.5, 606.4,
607.1, 607.3, 611.3, 614.1
Climbing equipment:
305
Climbing space:
416.4
Climbing suspension insulators:
403
Clothing:
302, 303
Code access key box:
725.5
Communications:
508, 605.13
Communications equipment:
802.3, 407
Conditions for work on live conductors:
415
260 Index
Index
Index
Confined space:
120, 509.13, 517.7, 803.1
Construction project:
503, Glossary
Contractor’s representative:
719
Cranes:
409
Crew complement:
Section 800 rules
Customer infeed:
501.6, 609.1, 614.1, Glossary
Customer isolation:
609, 610, 614.1, 701.12, Appendix C
Danger–do not operate tag:
727, Glossary
De-energized:
415.3, 423.3, 424.3, 508.2, 512.2, 801.4, Glossary
Index 261
Ind
ex
Index
Disconnect:
408.4, 413.3, 420.1, 422.4, 422.5, 501.3, 509,
510, 511.2, 511.3, 514.6, 603.7, 603.10, 605.9,
702.5, 708.5, 801.4
Distribution of Safety Practice Regulations:
102, 103
Distribution transformers:
see Paralleling Distribution Transformers
Do not operate tags:
506.3, 602.2, 604.2, 606.2, 608.1, 608.2, 610.2,
611.1, 612.1, 612.2, 614.1, 727
Drainer:
516.1, 516.2, Glossary
Duct bank:
517, 805.4, Glossary
Extra high voltage (EHV) areas:
308.4, 516, Acronyms
Electrical switching:
see Switching
Employees, responsibility of:
105
262 Index
Index
Index
Employer:
102, 103, 106.2, Glossary
Energized:
308.4, 308.5, 401, 404, 405, 409, 411 to 419,
422, 423, 424, 501.5, 503, 504, 508.2, 509.13,
512, 514.7, 516, 517,604.5, 606.4, 608.2, 610.6,
612.2, 801.4, 802.4, 803.2, 803,3, 804, 805,
Glossary
Entering unattended stations:
108, 507
Equipment:
101, 104, 105, 107, 111, 112, 202.5, 301, 303 to
309, 401, 405, 407, 408, 409, 411, 412 to 419,
421, 423, 424, 501, 504, 505, 507, 508, 511 to
514, 516 to 518, 602 to 608, 610, 612, 614, Section
700, Section 800, Glossary
Eye protection:
303.1
Excavators:
409
Explosives:
116, 117
Index 263
Ind
ex
Index
Fall protection:
303.6, 402, 411.7, 802.3
Fibre optic (cable):
603.9, 605.11, 702.8
Fire extinguishers:
111.8, 112.1
Fire permits:
114
Fires:
113
First aid:
201, 202.2
Flex link:
702.4
Floating:
Glossary
Footwear:
302
264 Index
Index
Index
Forms and tags:
tag out:
611 to 614, Appendix C
lockout:
Appendix E
Forms, retention of:
503.6, 509.14, 603.16, 605.18, 610.7, 707
Fuses:
607.4, 705.2, 727.2, 801.4
Gaffs:
305
Ground clamps:
514.5, 514.6
Ground rods:
513.2
Grounded:
408.3, 409.2, 409.3, 415.3, 420.2, 508.2, 513.1,
514.4, 516.6, 516.7, 603.10, 607.8, 614.3, 701.1,
Glossary
Grounded tags:
614.3, Appendix C
Index 265
Ind
ex
Index
Grounding/blocking protection tags:
514.8, 604.4, 611, 612, 614, Appendix C
Grounding/bonding, worker protection:
308.5, 405.2, 420.2, 504.1, 511.3, 512 to 517,
602.3, 603.1, 603.10, 604, 605, 606, 608.1,
608.2, 610.3, 610.4, 611, 612, 614.1, 614.3, 701,
702, 708.1, 709, 710, 713.7, 716.2, 717, 721.2, 722.3,
723.2 801.4, 802.3, 802.4
Group lock:
702.6, 707.2, 708.2, 716, 717, 723, Glossary
Group lock log:
707.2, 708.2
Group lockout:
716 to 724, 727, Glossary
Group lockout modification form:
721, Appendix E
Group lockout sheet:
701.11, 701.12, 707.2, 708.3, 716.4, 717, 721, 724,
Appendix E
266 Index
Index
Index
Guards:
insulator, line, etc.:
416.3, 416.4
machinery:
309
Guarantee of isolation:
503.2, 503.6, 506, 507, 603.8, 605.10, 614.1,
701.11, Glossary, Acronyms
Guarantee of no reclose:
423, 424, 614.6, 614.7, Glossary
Hats, safety:
303
Hazardous energy source:
511.3, 701.1, 701.4, 702.6, 702.7, 703.1, 708.5,
709.2, 710.1, 713.8, 717.2, Glossary
Hazardous induction:
801.4, Glossary
Hazardous substances:
115
Index 267
Ind
ex
Index
Hazards:
104 to 106, 109, 112, 115, 120, 302 to 304, 306,
401, 406, 407, 409, 416.4, 416.5, 420.1, 422,
423, 504.2, 511.3, 512.2, 516.1, 516.3, 519, 603.9,
603.10, 604.1, 604.4, 605.11, 605.11, 605.15,
606.1, 607.6, 702.8, 713.6, 722.1, 722.6, 800,
802.3, 805.1
Helicopter work:
118
High pressure piping:
110, 518.1, 607.1, 702.4
High risk work:
Glossary
High voltage:
sections 400 to 600, Glossary
Hold-out ropes:
416.5
Host:
712, 720, Appendix E, Glossary
Housekeeping for elimination of fire hazards:
112
268 Index
Index
Index
Hydraulic waterways:
518.1
Incident management system:
202
Identification of power system:
505
Immobilized:
see Blocking
Incidents:
104, 202, 516.1
Injuries:
101.5, 201, 202, 302.4, 509.1, 701.1, 701.10
Inspection, of tools and equipment:
301, 307.2, 411.1, 413.1, 413.8, 514.2, 603.14,
605.14, 725.4, 725.5, 801.2, 802.3, 802.1
Insulators:
cleaning of:
416.7
climbing of:
403
Index 269
Ind
ex
Index
Interconnections with other customers/utilities:
501.6, 603.7, 603.8, 605.9, 605.10
Interpretation of regulations:
101.6
Isolated:
101.3, 508.2, 511, 512, 514.3, 515, 517.2, 518.1,
Sections 600 and 700, Glossary
Isolation schematic:
716.4, Glossary
Isolating device:
506.3, 507, 509, 519, 604.2, 605.1, 606.2, 607.8,
608.1, 609.3, 701.11, 701.12, 702.5, 702.6, 703.2,
705 to 709, 714.1, 715.1, 716, 717, 721, 722, 727.1,
Glossary
Isolation request form:
Appendix E
Jacks:
307.3
Jumper:
see Bond
270 Index
Index
Index
Key box:
716.2, 717.4, 717.6, 718.2, 718.3, 719.3, 719.4, 719.5,
720, 721.1, 721.2, 721.8, 722 to 725
Ladders:
308, 411.9, 516.3, 802.2, 804
Life jackets:
306
Lifting devices:
307
Lightning:
407.2, 407.3, 415.2, 512.2
Limits of Approach:
308.5, 401, Table 401, 405, 411.11, 419.4, 516.5,
604.3, 606.3, 608.1
Link used as isolating device:
702.4, 705.2, 727.2
Live:
see Energized, Hazardous Energy, Glossary
Live line equipment and tools:
405.2, 413, 416, 417, 418.2, 419.6, 420.3, 423
Index 271
Ind
ex
Index
Live line methods:
417, 515, Glossary
Live line permit:
405.2, 415.1, 423, 614.4, 614.7, 801.4, 803.2
Live line pole setting:
803.2, Glossary
Local operating orders:
101.3, 501.5, 512.6, 601.2, 716.6
Lock removal form:
707.2, 725.4, 725.5, Appendix E
Locking of switches:
509.11, 701, 702, 708, 716, 509.11, 701, 702, 708,
716, 725
Lockout applied tag:
706.3
Lockout board:
708.3, 716.2, 717.6, 718.2, 718.3, 719, 720, 721, 722,
723, 724
Lockout key cabinet:
725
272 Index
Index
Index
Machinery guards:
309
Mechanical blocking:
see Blocking
Metal rules and tapes:
304.2
Mimic display:
604.2, 606.2, 613.1, 614.3 to 614.8, 702.4, 706,
709.4, 717.4, 721.6, 723.4, Glossary
Motor operated disconnect switch:
702.5
Neutrals, work involving:
420, 422.4, 422.5, 510, 512.3, 512.7, 513.1
Number of persons assigned:
800, 801, 802, 803
Operating authority:
423.3, 424.2, 501, 503, 507, 603, 605.10, 707.2,
Glossary
Operating one-line diagram:
501.4, 501.5, 503.2, 507, 508.4, 509, 710.1, 715.2,
Glossary
Index 273
Ind
ex
Index
Operating responsibility:
501.4, 501.5, 503.2b, 507, 508.4, 509, 710.1c,
715.2b, Glossary
Paralleling distribution transformers:
422
Person in charge:
see PIC
Personal protective equipment:
105.3, 301 to 303, 408.2, 801.1
Personal lock:
701, 702.6, 708, 709.3, 710.2, 711, 714, 715, 716.2,
718, 719.6, 721, 722, 723.1, 724.1, 725, Glossary
Personal lockout:
503.6, 507, 702.8, 708 to 715, 716.1, 725.1, 727.2,
Glossary
Personal lockout sheet:
704, 707.2, 708.3, 709.5, 709.6, 710.1, 710.3, 711,
712, 713.3, 714.1, 714.2, 715.1, 715.2, 727.2,
Appendix E
Phasing tests:
421
274 Index
Index
Index
Person in charge (PIC):
105.4, 405.3, 419.1, 423, 424, 502, 503, 506, 507,
509.6, 603, 604, 605, 606, 608.1, 614, 701.11,
703.1, 709, 714, 715, 717, 721, 722.7, 723, 724,
Glossary
Piping, high pressure:
110, 518.1, 607.1, 702.4
Point of worker protection grounding:
308.5, 420.2, 512.3, 513, 514.3, 514.6
Pole band:
512.6
Pole top rescue:
203
Poles, testing of:
402.1
Power cables:
512.2, 517, 605.2
Power System Safety Protection (PSSP):
101.3, 102.4, 401, 503.1, 506.1, 514.1, 603.3,
604.4, 605.6, 607.1, 607.7, 609.2, 702.12, 803.3,
Appendix D, Glossary
Index 275
Ind
ex
Index
Pre-job discussion:
see Tailboard
Procedures for work on energized lines:
416 to 419
Project controller:
503, 701.11
Protective equipment:
413, 416.3
Protection extension:
405.4, 602.1, 603, 604, 605.5, 611.3, 614.1,
Appendix D
PSSP:
see Power System Safety Protection
Public, protection of:
101.5, 104, 105.4, 202.4, 513.4, 613.5
Qualified worker:
104, 116, 308.5, 401, 405, 411.2, 412.3, 415.2,
416.1, 418.3, 423, 424, 506.1, 508.4, 509.2, 509.3,
511.1, 514.1, 516.3, 517, 603.8, 603.13, 605.10,
605.13, 703.2, 709.2, 717.2, 721.2, 723.2, Section
800, Appendix D, Appendix F, Glossary
276 Index
Index
Index
Reclose off:
423, 424, 614.7
Regulators, voltage:
510
Removing self protection:
608.2
Reporting:
fires:
111, 113
hazardous conditions:
105
incidents and injuries:
104, 202
tools & equipment:
413.5
Rescue:
120, 203, 800, 802.3, 802.4, 803.1, 803.2, 803.4
Responsibilities:
of employees:
105
Index 277
Ind
ex
Index
of supervisors:
104
Retention of forms:
503.6, 509.14, 603.16, 605.18, 610.7, 707
Revisions of rules:
103
Riser:
416.1, 421, 422.4, 422.5, 611.1, 702.4, 706.4
Ropes:
belts:
305.2
live line:
413.3, 415.2, 416.4, 416.5
safety:
109, 305.2, 402,403.5, 403.6
slings:
307, Appendix A
Rubber gloves:
412, 413.1, 415.2, 417.2, 418, 420.3, 509.12, 516.1,
801.4, 803.3
278 Index
Index
Index
Safe crew complement principles:
800, Glossary
Safety protection guarantee:
405.2, 503.6, 512.1, 514.1, 517.2,519, 602 to 608,
611, 612, 614, Glossary
Safety watcher:
308.5, 401, 415.2, 805, Glossary
Scaffolding:
308, 516.4, 804
Scissor clip:
718.2, 719.4
Seal on key box:
716.2, 717.6, 717.2, 718.2, 719.3, 719.4, 721.2, 721.8,
723.2, 724
Secured:
506.3, 514.7, 514.8, 702.1,702.6, 705.2, 706.3,
708.4, 711.1, 711.2 716.2, 717.5, 721.7, 722.5, 727,
Glossary
Self protection:
405.4, 504, 507, 602, 605.5, 607, 608, 614.1
Index 279
Ind
ex
Index
Shop equipment:
708.5
Signals:
409.1, 410, Appendix B
Signs, removal of:
402.2
Slings:
413.3, Appendix A
Smoking:
111
Statement by unauthorized worker(s):
107
Stations, entering unattended:
108
Station log:
108, 507, 608.1, 709.4, 711.4, 714.1, 715.1, 717.4,
721.6, 723.4
Step and touch potential:
405.2, 513.3, 516.3
280 Index
Index
Index
Stringing conductors:
404
Stop Work Authority:
iii
Storage of hazardous substances:
111, 115
Supervisor:
104, 105.4, 202.1, 203.3, Glossary
Suspension insulators:
403
Switches, operation of:
509, 510
Switching:
421, 501.3, 501.4, 507, 509, 510, 514.1, 604.2,
606.2, 703, 704, 706.3, 708.4, 709.2,
709.3,709.5, 710.1, 710.3, 715.2, 716.3, 716.6,
717.2, 717.3, 717.4, 721, 723.2, 723.3, 727.1, 727.4,
Glossary
Switching lock set:
721.4, 721.5
Index 281
Ind
ex
Index
Switching order:
507, 509.14, 604.2, 606.2, 703, 704, 707, 709,
714, 717, 721, 723, Appendix C, Appendix E,
Glossary
Switching reference:
703.2, 727, Glossary
Tailboard:
106, 422.2, 701.5, 701.6, 701.7, 704, 707, 713.4,
718.1, 719.3, 721.9, 722, 724.3, Glossary
Tags:
506.3, 507, 514.8, 602, 604, 606, 607, 608, 611 to
614, 709, 710, 726, 727, Appendix C, Appendix E
Test and work permits:
504, 602.1, 603.6, 604.2, 604.5, 605, 606, 607,
614.1, Appendix C, Glossary
Test coordinator:
722, Appendix E, Glossary
Test leader:
722, Appendix F, Glossary
Test notification form:
707, 722, Appendix E
282 Index
Index
Index
Testing:
423.1, 515, 605, 606.2, 607.6, 701.10, 702.7, 713,
722, Appendix E, Appendix F
Testing in progress sign:
722.2, 722.9, 722.10, Appendix E
Transformers, voltage or station service:
422, 603.9, 605.11, 607.4, 702.8
Tools and equipment:
104, 304, 306, 405.2, 415.2, 417.1, 602, Glossary
Tree trimming:
405, 423
Unattended stations:
108, 507
Unauthorized employees, statements by:
107
Vehicles:
105.5, 119, 202.2, 202.3, 303.5, 401.2, 409.2,
409.3, 411.5, 412.5, 516.6, 805.4
Verbal instructions:
508, 603.12, 603.13, 604.4, 605.12, 605.13
Index 283
Ind
ex
Index
Verification, of isolation:
511.3, 704, 721.5, Glossary
Viable rescue:
800, 802, 803, Glossary
Visitor:
701.3, 712, 720, Glossary
Visitor lock:
712, 720, Glossary
Visual check:
716.6, 717.5, 721, 724, Glossary
Visual check lock set:
721.2, 721.3, 721.6, 721.7
Voltage regulators:
510
Watercraft:
121
Weather for live line work:
415.2
284 Index
Index
Index
Work leader:
701.7, 717.1, 718.1, 721.1, 721.9, 722.1, 722.10, 723.1,
724.3, 725.5, Glossary
Work protection:
506.1, 702.6, 706.3, 708.3, 716.1, 718.2, 720
Work protection practices:
101.3, 400, 503.1, 506.1, 514.1, 514.9, Section
700, Glossary
Work zone:
606.2, 701.3, Glossary
Working:
general:
106.2, 302.6,407, 408, 409
in EHV areas:
516
near station perimeter:
406
on energized lines:
414 to 419
on poles or structures:
402
Index 285
Ind
ex
Index
Worker protection grounding/bonding:
308.5, 405.2, 420.2, 504.1, 511.3, 512 to 517,
602.3, 603.1, 603.10, 604, 605, 606, 608.1,
608.2, 610.3, 610.4, 611, 612, 614.1, 614.3, 701,
702, 708.1, 709, 710, 713.7, 716.2, 717, 721.2, 722.3,
723.2, 801.4, 802.3, 802.4 Glossary
Workers, number required:
800
WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation:
101.1, 105.1, 110, 118, 303.5, 308.1, 309, 405.3,
409.1, 410.2, 601.2, 802.3, Glossary
Tab
le 4
01:
Lim
its
of
Ap
pro
ach
to E
xpos
ed
Ener
giz
ed E
lect
rica
l C
ond
ucto
rs a
nd E
qui
pm
ent
by V
olta
ge
Leve
l
CO
LUM
N 1
Ab
solu
te L
imit
fo
r Q
ualif
ied
El
ectr
ical
Wor
kers
CO
LUM
N 2
Nor
mal
Lim
it
for
Qua
lifie
d
Elec
tric
al W
orke
rs
CO
LUM
N 3
Lim
it of
App
roac
h fo
r:•
Uni
nsul
ated
eq
uip
men
t op
erat
ed b
y Q
ualif
ied
Ele
ctric
al
Wor
kers
• U
nqua
lifie
d
Wor
kers
and
th
eir
equi
pm
ent
whe
n co
ntin
uous
ly
dire
cted
by
Qua
lifie
d E
lect
rica
l W
orke
rs.
• W
orke
rs Q
ualif
ied
Sp
ecia
lly T
rain
ed
and
aut
hori
zed
to
Col
umn
3 Li
mit
s.
CO
LUM
N 4
Lim
it o
f A
pp
roac
h fo
r U
nqua
lifie
d
Wor
kers
and
the
ir
equi
pm
ent
Nom
inal
V
olta
ge
Leve
l kV
Act
ual V
olta
ge
Ran
ge
Pha
se t
o P
hase
m(f
t)m
(ft)
m(f
t)m
(ft)
475
1 V
to
5 kV
0.3
01
0.6
02
0.9
03
3.0
010
12 &
25
5 kV
to
30 k
V0
.45
1.5
0.7
52.
51.
204
3.0
010
35 &
60
30 k
V t
o 75
kV
0.6
02
0.9
03
1.50
53.
00
1013
875
kV
to
150
kV
0.9
03
1.50
52.
40
84
.50
1523
015
0 k
V t
o 25
0 k
V1.
40
4.5
2.10
73.
00
104
.50
1528
725
0 k
V t
o 32
5 kV
1.70
5.5
2.60
8.5
3.70
126.
00
2034
532
5 kV
to
425
kV
2.10
73.
00
104
.30
146.
00
2050
04
25 k
V t
o 55
0 k
V2.
709
3.70
124
.90
166.
00
20